Folded optical system having improved image isolation

An optical imaging assembly for imaging light from a display, said assembly comprising:

• a first linear polarization filter for passing light polarized in a first direction;
• a second linear polarization filter for passing light polarized in a second direction, said second direction being orthogonal to said first direction;
• a folded imaging assembly comprising a first beam splitter, a first ¼ wave plate, and a second beam splitter;
• and
• a second ¼ wave plate, wherein
• said folded imaging assembly and said second ¼ wave plate are located between said first and second linear polarization filters, and wherein said first ¼ wave plate has a birefringence axis that is orthogonal to the birefringence axis of said second ¼ wave plate, and wherein one of said first and second beam splitters comprises a material having a reflectivity that depends on the direction of linear polarization of light striking said beam splitter.