Method and apparatus for illuminating a display

An apparatus comprising:

• a switchable optics system comprising a first group of electrically switchable holographic optical elements comprising first, second, and third electrically switchable holographic optical elements each of which is electrically switchable between an active state and an inactive state, wherein each of the first, second, and third electrically switchable holographic optical elements is configured to diffract light incident thereon when operating in the active state, wherein each of the first, second, and third electrically switchable holographic optical elements transmits light incident thereon without substantial alteration when operating in the deactive state, and;
• a first control circuit coupled to the first, second and third electrically switchable holographic optical elements, wherein each of the first, second and third electrically switchable holographic optical elements is activated or deactivated by the control circuit;
• wherein light diffracted by the first electrically switchable holographic optical element passes through a first region of a plane;
• wherein light diffracted by the second electrically switchable holographic optical element passes through a second region of the plane;
• wherein light diffracted by the third electrically switchable holographic optical element passes through a third region of the plane;
• wherein the second region is positioned between the first and third regions of the plane.