An image projection system includes an illumination source and an eyepiece waveguide including a plurality of diffractive incoupling optical elements. The eyepiece waveguide includes a region operable to transmit light from the illumination source. The image projection system also includes a first optical element including a reflective polarizer, a second optical element including a partial reflector, a first quarter waveplate disposed between the first optical element and the second optical element, a reflective spatial light modulator, and a second quarter waveplate disposed between the second optical element and the reflective spatial light modulator.