With the help of augmented reality (AR) ) and virtual reality (VR) systems, users can receive information and connect with each other via near-eye displays (NEDs). However, several challenges still need to be addressed, especially the optics. Users wearing current NEDs typically suffer from vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC). Furthermore, people with refractive errors need a pair of prescription lenses to clearly see the virtual image and/or environment. Hence, VAC-free AR/VR systems with vision correction functions should be developed. Furthermore, the AR/VR systems must be designed with slim form factors. Liquid crystal (LC) optical elements with a thin form factor have been demonstrated for light modulation in versatile optical systems; thus, LC-based solutions have been proposed for AR/VR systems in the past decade. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review on LC-based optical systems and suggest possible solutions how LC active optics could be used in NED systems. It focuses on the fundamental optics of NEDs, origins of VAC and current LC-based solutions, LC lenses for vision correction function, and the guidelines for solving the two aforementioned challenges using LC lenses. We also introduce some recent progress in our group.
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