Polarizing beam splitter

Abstract

A polarizing beam splitter is disclosed that includes a first prism, a second prism, and a reflective polarizing film disposed between the first prism and the second prism. The first prism comprises a first polymeric material, and has a first outer curved surface and an additional outer surface. The second prism comprises a second polymeric material, which in some embodiments may be the same as the first polymeric material, and has a second outer curved surface.

1 . An image display system comprising: 
 at least one illumination source;    a polarizing beam splitter comprising: 
 an input prism comprising a first polymeric material, the input prism having a first outer curved surface and a second outer surface, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is disposed such that the second outer surface receives light from the illumination source;  
 an output prism comprising a second polymeric material, the output prism having a third outer curved surface; and  
 a reflective polarizing film disposed between the input prism and the output prism; and  
   an image-forming device disposed to receive light from the first outer curved surface of the input prism.    
   
   
       2 . The image display system of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination source comprises a light source of a first color, a light source of a second color, and a color combiner.  
   
   
       3 . The image display system of  claim 2 , wherein the color combiner has an x-cube configuration.  
   
   
       4 . The image display system of  claim 1 , wherein the image-forming device is an LCoS device.  
   
   
       5 . The image display system of  claim 1 , further comprising a projection lens disposed to receive light from the third outer curved surface of the output prism.  
   
   
       6 . The image display system of  claim 1 , wherein the image display system exhibits volumetric dimensions of about 16 cubic centimeters or less.  
   
   
       7 . The image display system of  claim 1 , wherein the image display system is characterized by a footprint having an area of about 9 square centimeters or less.  
   
   
       8 . The polarizing beam splitter of  claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric material is the same as the second polymeric material.  
   
   
       9 . The image display system of  claim 1 , wherein the reflective polarizing film comprises a first polymeric material and a second polymeric material different from the first polymeric material.  
   
   
       10 . The image display system of  claim 1 , wherein the second outer surface is a curved surface.