Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same

A display apparatus comprising:

• at least two light guide plates each comprising a light incident surface and a light exiting surface, the two light guide plates being spaced apart from each other so as to form a gap therebetween;
• a light source disposed adjacent to at least one side portion of the light guide plates, the light source configured to direct light toward the light incident surfaces;
• a display panel positioned to receive light from the light exiting surfaces to facilitate display of an image;
• and
• an optical member that covers the gap to reduce a difference of a refractive index between the gap and the light guide plates such that an amount of the light traveling to the display panel through between the light guide plates from the light source is reduced.

A backlight assembly comprising:

• at least two light guide plates each comprising a light incident surface and a light exiting surface, the two light guide plates being spaced apart from each other so as to form a gap therebetween;
• a light source disposed adjacent to at least one side portion of the light guide plates, the light source emitting light to the light incident surfaces;
• and
• a diffusion member that covers the gap, the diffusion member configured to diffuse light received from the light source.