Anamorphic near-eye display apparatus

Abstract

An anamorphic near-eye display apparatus comprises a spatial light modulator with anamorphic pixels; an input transverse anamorphic lens; and an extraction waveguide comprising a lateral anamorphic light reversing reflector. Light from the first spatial light modulator is imaged in the transverse direction by the transverse anamorphic lens, is input into the extraction waveguide and is guided in a first direction along the extraction waveguide. The light is imaged by the lateral anamorphic mirror in the lateral direction and directed in a second direction back through the extraction waveguide. Light extraction features are arranged to direct the reflected light towards the pupil of a viewer. The light extraction features are provided with optical power so that for each point on the spatial light modulator, the output light diverges towards the eye of a viewer. A virtual image plane at a finite viewing distance and correction for ophthalmic conditions may be provided. An efficient near-eye display apparatus for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality displays is provided.