Methods, devices, and systems for illuminating spatial light modulators

An optical device comprising:

• a wedge-shaped light turning element comprising:
• a first surface parallel to a horizontal axis;
• a second surface that is opposite the first surface and inclined with respect to the horizontal axis by a wedge angle;
• a light input surface between the first and the second surfaces, the light input surface configured to receive light emitted from a light source, wherein the light includes light having a first polarization state and light having a second polarization state;
• an end reflector disposed on a side of the light turning element that is opposite the light input surface;
• and
• a plurality of light turning features disposed on the second surface, the plurality of light turning features including a polarization selective element to redirect, toward the first surface, light having the first polarization state and to not redirect light having the second polarization state,
• wherein the second surface is inclined such that a height of the light input surface is less than a height of the side on which the end reflector is disposed, and
• wherein at least a portion of the light received into the light turning element is reflected by the end reflector and redirected by the plurality of turning features towards the first surface.