Abstract: An optical system for a head mounted display includes a light pipe having two parallel surfaces along which modes can travel by total internal reflection. An illumination element allows selection of modes so that the desired modes can be transmitted along the light pipe, either axially or by total internal reflection.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid optical system with embedded elements is provided. The embedded elements may include inorganic, polymer, or hybrid lenses, mirrors, beam splitters and polarizers, or other elements. The embedding material is a transparent high quality optical polymer.

Abstract: A casting method, rather than injection molding, to produce polymer optical components and systems is provided. The casting process controls shrinkage and stress, thus providing both high bulk uniformity and high quality, accurate surfaces, by incorporating polymer films into the mold. The films may remain incorporated into the part or may optionally be removed from the part after removal from the mold. In addition, the incorporation of separately produced components within the cast part is also provided, eliminating post-casting assembly manufacturing steps.