Display illumination using a grating

Abstract

A display assembly includes a light source, a spatial light modulator (SLM) and a grating. The light source is configured to emit illumination light, the SLM is configured to receive the illumination light and reflect at least a portion of the illumination light. The grating is positioned to redirect the illumination light output from the light source toward the SLM, receive at least a portion of the reflected light from the SLM, redirect first light having a first polarization toward the light source, and transmit through the grating second light having a second polarization that is orthogonal to the first polarization. Also disclosed are operations performed by the display assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A display assembly, comprising:
 a light source configured to emit illumination light;   a reflective spatial light modulator configured to receive the illumination light and reflect at least a portion of the illumination light as reflected light; and   a grating positioned to: 
 redirect the illumination light output from the light source toward the reflective spatial light modulator; 
 receive the reflected light from the reflective spatial light modulator; 
 provide a first portion of the reflected light having a first polarization toward a first direction; and 
 provide a second portion of the reflected light having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization toward a second direction distinct from the first direction.