75‐4: <i>Distinguished Student Paper:</i> Fast‐Switchable Polarization‐Dependent Bifocal Lenses for AR Displays

Polarization‐dependent bifocal Pancharatnam‐Berry phase lenses are proposed to integrate bifocal functions into a single device. These lenses, fabricated using photoalignment techniques, are designed in both longitudinal and transverse configurations to address key challenges in AR displays. The longitudinal configuration resolves the vergence‐accommodation conflict through multi‐plane displays, while the transverse configuration enlarges the field‐of‐view (FOV) by enabling dual horizontal FOVs. The system also incorporates an electrically suppressed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal polarization rotator, enabling fast switching between dual depths or FOVs. This compact, efficient solution addresses key challenges in AR displays, allowing true 3D multi‐plane displays and extending the FOV for next‐generation AR systems.