Compact waveguide system

Abstract

An optical waveguide apparatus may include an in-coupling region for receiving image light traveling in a first direction, an out-coupling region, expander light-guide elements in the in-coupling region, a propagation region between the in-coupling region and the out-coupling region, and supporting light-guide elements in the propagation region. The expander light-guide elements receive the image light, transmit a first portion of the image light in the first direction, and reflect a second portion of the image light in a second direction toward the out-coupling region. The propagation region includes primary sub-regions that receive a light beam of the second portion from the expander light-guide elements, and target sub-regions that do not directly receive a light beam of the second portion from the expander light-guide elements. The supporting light-guide elements direct a light beam of the second portion from the expander light-guide elements to the out-coupling region via the target sub-regions.