Spatially-patterned switchable lc waveplates for a wide viewing aperture

A near-eye display system comprising:

• a light source;
• a polarizer configured to polarize light emitted by the light source;
• a first polarization sensitive lens characterized by different optical power for light of two different polarization states;
• and
• a switchable waveplate between the polarizer and the first polarization sensitive lens, the switchable waveplate including:
• a substrate;
• a first electrode layer on the substrate;
• an alignment layer on the first electrode layer and including alignment patterns formed thereon, wherein the alignment patterns are determined based on angles of interest at a plurality of regions of the switchable waveplate;
• a liquid crystal layer on the alignment layer, the liquid crystal layer including liquid crystal molecules that are arranged according to the alignment patterns and are pre-tilted when no electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer;
• and
• a second electrode layer on the liquid crystal layer,
• wherein the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are configured to apply electric fields of different magnitudes to a plurality of zones of the switchable waveplate, and
• wherein the plurality of zones of the switchable waveplate includes a center zone and one or more ring-shaped zones.