Fast-switching 2D/3D display based on a liquid crystal planar lenticular lens array

In this paper, we propose a fast-switching two-dimensional/three-dimensional (2D/3D) display based on a liquid crystal planar lenticular lens array (LCPLLA) with an ultra-thin functional layer. The LCPLLA enables rapid switching between focusing (3D) and transparent (2D) states through electrical control of the in-plane orientation of liquid crystal (LC) molecules. This design utilizes Pancharatnam-Berry phase principle rather than geometric curvature, thereby significantly reducing the thickness of the LC functional layer. Experimental results demonstrate that the device achieves a total switching time of 14 ms between the 2D and 3D modes, operates at a driving voltage of 8 V, and exhibits uniform focusing with well-defined focal spots, where the focal spot size variation across the lens array is below 1%. At the optimal viewing distance of 370 mm, the system provides high-resolution 2D images and distinct 3D visual effects. The proposed approach offers a compact, high-quality, and fast-responding solution for switchable 2D/3D displays.