A polarization recovery system polarizes input light for use with an LCD imager. The polarization recovery system converts light of the wrong polarity to the correct polarity to add to the illumination of the LCD imager. The polarization recovery system may include: (1) an output waveguide that receives polarized light energy from the system; (2) a polarized beam splitter that receives the light energy from the input waveguide, transmitting lights energy of a first polarization type and reflecting light energy of a second polarization type, and (3) a wave plate that modifies the polarization of either the transmitted or reflected light energy to that of the correct polarization. The polarization recovery system may include one or more "gaps" of optically clear material positioned between the optical components to encourage total internal reflection and minimize the loss of the optical energy.