Kernels are designed in different configurations based on design properties of an enclosure or other requirements. A prism assembly having various types of filters, waveplates, beam splitters (e.g., path length matched beam splitters) and/or other optical components are provided to selectively direct light beams to each of red, green, and blue microdisplays that manipulate the light and then combine the manipulated lights into an output image. The prism assembly includes an input face, an output face, and other faces on which the microdisplays are attached in a number of different configurations. Requirements and exact placement of optical components varies depending on which microdisplay is attached to which face. The components of the prism assembly may be arranged in path length matched positions.