Stereoscopic display unit

A stereoscopic display device, comprising:

• a display panel operable to transmit light corresponding to image data;
• a polarization state conversion section comprising a first polarization segment for converting light transmitted by the display device to a first polarization state, and a second polarization segment for converting light transmitted by the display device to a second polarization state;
• an optical separation element that is placed, via application of a voltage, in an on state in which light transmitted by the display panel is refracted or an off state in which light transmitted by the display panel is not refracted;
• wherein the stereoscopic display device is operable to display either two-dimensional or three-dimensional images, and is switchable from a two-dimensional display mode to a first three-dimensional display mode enabling non-autostereoscopic image display, from the first three-dimensional display mode to a second three-dimensional display mode enabling autostereoscopic image display, and from the second three-dimensional display mode to the first three-dimensional display mode;
• wherein:
• the optical separation element comprises a variable lens array;
• the variable lens array comprises a liquid lenticular lens;
• the liquid lenticular lens comprises an electro-wetting type liquid lens array placed in an on state or an off state via application of a voltage;
• and
• the liquid lenticular lens is placed in an on state by applying zero voltage, and placed in an off state by applying a non-zero voltage.