A novel multimode stereoscopic imaging system is developed. The system
consists of a polarizer and a passive liquid crystal sheet which is p
atterned into periodic liquid crystal configuration regions. One is in
the 90 degrees twisted nematic (TN) state while the other is in a non
-twisted state (liquid crystal aligned antiparallel). This 3D imaging
system can be viewed in the autostereo mode without spectacles but has
discrete viewing zones and in a binocular stereo mode which requires
passive polarized glasses. This system is also convertible between 2D
and 3D modes. Its principle is confirmed using the test cells. The vie
wing angle characteristics are also investigated.