Abstract: A compact virtual image display system is provided which includes a microdisplay; a first magnification optic consisting of three surfaces: a display input surface; a reflective/transmissive surface, and a reflective first magnification element surface; and a second magnification optic. Light forming the source object enters the first magnification optic at the display input surface. The light travels within the first magnification optic such that it is projected to an area on the reflective.backslash.transmissive surface that is at least partially within the full field of view provided by the second magnification optic. The light is directed to the reflective/transmissive surface at a first angle of incidence .theta..sub.SO relative to the reflective/transmissive surface such that the light is internally reflected by the reflective/transmissive surface and directed to the reflective first magnification element surface.

Abstract: A virtual image display system is provided which is made thinner through the use of an immersed beam splitter, and in one embodiment, total internal reflection. The display system includes an imaging surface on which a source object is formed, a first optical element having a reflective function and a magnification function, a second optical element having a magnification function and an immersed beam splitting element positioned between the first and second optical elements, the immersed beam splitting element including a beam splitter surrounded by an optically transparent material having a refractive index greater than air. An illumination source projects the source object formed at the imaging surface through the optically transparent material to the beam splitter. The beam splitter reflects the projected source object to the first optical element. The first optical element magnifies the projected source object and reflects a magnified virtual image of the projected source object to the beam splitter.