Optical waveguide assembly and near-eye display device

Abstract

This invention discloses an optical waveguide assembly and a near-eye display device. The optical waveguide assembly includes: a first waveguide plate, within which a first array beam splitter is disposed; a first polarization beamsplitter disposed on a first surface, used to transmit light with a first polarization direction and reflect light with a second polarization direction; a first depolarizer disposed on the side of the first polarization beamsplitter away from the first waveguide plate, used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light; a second waveguide plate disposed on the side of the first depolarizer away from the first polarization beamsplitter; and a second polarization beamsplitter disposed on a second surface, used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction. According to the optical waveguide assembly of this invention, the uniformity of the coupled light can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical technology, and in particular to an optical waveguide assembly and a near-eye display device. Background Technology

[0002] Augmented Reality (AR) technology is a technique that cleverly integrates virtual information with the real world. It simulates and applies computer-generated text, images, 3D models, music, and videos to the real world, supplementing it with real-world information and thus "enhancing" the real world. Currently, the main technologies used in transmissive head-mounted displays for augmented reality include Birdbath, prisms, freeform surfaces, and optical waveguides. Compared to other technologies, head-mounted displays using optical waveguides are smaller in size.

[0003] In optical waveguide devices, polarization control is a key factor affecting optical transmission efficiency and imaging uniformity. In traditional one-dimensional waveguide structures, the polarization state of light rays is usually kept consistent. However, in two-dimensional waveguide structures, the optical characteristics are more complex due to the need to achieve pupil expansion in two orthogonal directions. During the first pupil expansion, the incident plane of the light ray is not parallel to the perpendicular plane of the dihedral angle of the transition film within the waveguide substrate, resulting in a difference in the polarization ratio of the reflected and transmitted light compared to the incident light. This problem is particularly pronounced under the iterative action of multiple transition films. With multiple reflections and transmissions of light between the films, the polarization state of the transmitted light gradually deviates from the initial polarization property of the incident light. This results in significant aberrations in the polarization characteristics of the light output from the transition film near the initial position and the transition film near the end position, leading to poor uniformity of the coupled light rays. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides an optical waveguide assembly that can improve the uniformity of coupled light.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a near-eye display device having the above-mentioned optical waveguide components.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the optical waveguide assembly includes a first waveguide unit, the first waveguide unit comprising:

[0007] A first waveguide plate includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. A first array beam splitter is disposed inside the first waveguide plate. The first array beam splitter is disposed at an angle to the first surface and the second surface. The first array beam splitter is used to couple the light transmitted inside the first waveguide plate out from the first surface.

[0008] A first polarization beam splitter is disposed on the first surface. The first polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light with a first polarization direction and reflect light with a second polarization direction.

[0009] The first depolarizer is disposed on the side of the first polarization beam splitter away from the first waveguide plate. The first depolarizer is used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light.

[0010] The second waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the first depolarizer away from the first polarization beam splitter.

[0011] A second polarization beam splitter is disposed on the second surface. The second polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction.

[0012] The first polarization direction is perpendicular to the second polarization direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first waveguide unit further includes a third waveguide plate, which is disposed between the first polarization beam splitter and the first depolarizer.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the first waveguide unit further includes a fourth waveguide plate disposed on the side of the second polarization beam splitter opposite to the first waveguide plate.

[0015] In some optional embodiments, the optical waveguide assembly further includes a second waveguide unit, which is aligned with the first waveguide unit, and the second waveguide unit includes a fifth waveguide plate.

[0016] In some optional embodiments, multiple first waveguide units and multiple second waveguide units are provided, and multiple first waveguide units and multiple second waveguide units are alternately provided.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the first waveguide plate, the second waveguide plate, the third waveguide plate, the fourth waveguide plate, and the fifth waveguide plate are made of the same material.

[0018] In some optional embodiments, the optical waveguide assembly further includes a third waveguide unit, which is aligned with and alternately arranged with the first waveguide unit, the third waveguide unit comprising:

[0019] The sixth waveguide plate includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite to each other. The sixth waveguide plate is aligned with the first waveguide plate. A second array beam splitter is disposed in the sixth waveguide plate. The second array beam splitter is disposed at an angle to the third surface and the fourth surface.

[0020] A third polarization beam splitter is disposed on the fourth surface. The third polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light rays with a first polarization direction and reflect light rays with a second polarization direction.

[0021] The second depolarizer is disposed on the side of the third polarization beam splitter away from the sixth waveguide plate. The second depolarizer is used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light.

[0022] The seventh waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the second depolarizer away from the third polarization beam splitter;

[0023] A fourth polarization beam splitter is disposed on the third surface. The fourth polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction.

[0024] The eighth waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the fourth polarization beam splitter opposite to the sixth waveguide plate.

[0025] In some optional embodiments, the third waveguide unit further includes a ninth waveguide plate disposed between the third polarization beam splitter and the second depolarizer.

[0026] In some optional embodiments, the first waveguide plate, the second waveguide plate, the third waveguide plate, the fourth waveguide plate, the sixth waveguide plate, the seventh waveguide plate, the eighth waveguide plate, and the ninth waveguide plate are made of the same material.

[0027] According to the optical waveguide assembly of the present invention, by stacking a first polarization beamsplitter, a first depolarizer, and a second waveguide plate on a first surface of a first waveguide plate, and setting a second polarization beamsplitter on a second surface, light rays with only a first polarization direction can enter the first waveguide plate from the first surface. Simultaneously, after the polarization of light transmitted by the first array beamsplitter is redistributed, light rays with a second polarization direction will be transmitted from the second polarization beamsplitter. This allows light rays with only the first polarization direction to propagate in the first waveguide plate and be reflected and coupled out of the optical waveguide assembly by the first array beam splitter to enter the human eye. Light rays with the second polarization direction cannot propagate in the first waveguide plate. This ensures that the polarization state of light rays incident on the first array beam splitter remains essentially the same after multiple passes through the first array beam splitter, allowing the first array beam splitter to better match the polarization state of the light rays, thereby improving the uniformity of the light rays coupled out of the optical waveguide assembly.

[0028] A near-eye display device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:

[0029] Projection assembly, the projection assembly being used to project light;

[0030] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the optical waveguide assembly is used to receive light rays projected by the projection assembly and transmit the light rays to the human eye.

[0031] According to the near-eye display device of the present invention, by providing the optical waveguide component of the first aspect described above, the overall performance of the near-eye display device is improved.

[0032] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optical waveguide assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an optical waveguide assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an optical waveguide assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure label:

[0037] 1000: Optical waveguide assembly; 100: First waveguide unit; 110: First waveguide plate; 111: First surface; 112: Second surface; 120: First polarization beam splitter; 130: Third waveguide plate; 140: First depolarizer; 150: Second waveguide plate; 160: Second polarization beam splitter; 170: Fourth waveguide plate; 180: First array beam splitter; 200: Second waveguide unit; 210: Fifth waveguide plate; 300: Third waveguide unit; 310: Sixth waveguide plate; 311: Third surface; 312: Fourth surface; 320: Third polarization beam splitter; 330: Ninth waveguide plate; 340: Second depolarizer; 350: Seventh waveguide plate; 360: Fourth polarization beam splitter; 370: Eighth waveguide plate; 380: Second array beam splitter. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. Additionally, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0040] The following is for reference. Figures 1-3 The optical waveguide assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described. The optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be used to guide light to transmit within the optical waveguide assembly 1000. The optical waveguide assembly 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first waveguide unit 100, wherein the first waveguide unit 100 may include a second polarization beam splitter 160, a first waveguide plate 110, a first polarization beam splitter 120, a first depolarizer 140 and a second waveguide plate 150 arranged in sequence.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the first waveguide plate 110 further includes a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 arranged opposite to and parallel to each other. A first array beam splitter 180 is disposed in the first waveguide plate 110. The first array beam splitter 180 is arranged at an angle with the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The first array beam splitter 180 is used to couple the light transmitted in the first waveguide plate 110 out from the first surface 111. Specifically, the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 can be arranged approximately parallel to each other. The angle between the first array beam splitter 180 and the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 can be 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, etc. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit this, as long as the first array beam splitter 180 has an angle with the first surface 111 and the second surface 112.

[0042] It should be noted that the first array beam splitter 180 includes multiple beam splitters arranged in an array. When light is transmitted to a beam splitter, a portion of the light is reflected by the beam splitter to form reflected light, which then exits the first waveguide plate 110 from the first surface 111; the other portion of the light is transmitted by the beam splitter to form transmitted light, which can exit the first waveguide plate 110 from the second surface 112 or continue to transmit within the first waveguide plate 110. The reflection and transmission ratios of the multiple beam splitters may be different, and this embodiment of the invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the first polarization beam splitter 120 is further disposed on the first surface 111. The first polarization beam splitter 120 is used to transmit light in the first polarization direction and reflect light in the second polarization direction. Specifically, the first polarization beam splitter 120 can be an optical element such as a wire grid, and the first polarization beam splitter 120 can be fixed to the first surface 111 using optical adhesive.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the first depolarizer 140 is further disposed on the side of the first polarization beam splitter 120 away from the first waveguide plate 110. The first depolarizer 140 is used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light. Specifically, the first depolarizer 140 can be an optical element such as a phase delay film or a depolarization film, and the first depolarizer 140 is stacked on the first polarization beam splitter 120.

[0045] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 Furthermore, the second waveguide plate 150 is disposed on the side of the first depolarizer 140 away from the first polarization beam splitter 120; it can be understood that when the light rays incident into the second waveguide plate 150 meet the total internal reflection condition of the second waveguide plate 150, the light rays can be completely reflected by the second waveguide plate 150 and then incident again into the first waveguide plate 110.

[0046] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 Furthermore, the second polarization beam splitter 160 is disposed on the second surface 112. The second polarization beam splitter 160 is used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction. Specifically, the second polarization beam splitter 160 can also be an optical element such as a wire grid. The second polarization beam splitter 160 can be fixed to the second surface 112 using optical adhesive.

[0047] It should be noted that the first polarization direction is perpendicular to the second polarization direction. Specifically, for example, the light in the first polarization direction can be s-light and the light in the second polarization direction can be p-light, or the light in the first polarization direction can be p-light and the light in the second polarization direction can be s-light. This embodiment of the invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0048] Please continue to refer to Figure 1Specifically, when light is transmitted in the optical waveguide assembly 1000, after passing through the first depolarizer 140, the light is unpolarized. When the unpolarized light is directed toward the first polarization beam splitter 120, the light in the first polarization direction can pass through the first polarization beam splitter 120 and enter the first waveguide plate 110. Part of the light in the first polarization direction is reflected by the first array beam splitter 180 to form a reflected beam, which exits from the first waveguide plate. Furthermore, when the reflected beam passes through the first polarization beam splitter 120 and the first depolarizer 140 and reaches the second waveguide plate 150, it does not satisfy the total internal reflection requirement of the second waveguide plate 150. Therefore, the reflected beam will be coupled out from the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0049] Furthermore, another portion of the light rays with the first polarization direction are transmitted by the first array beam splitter 180 to form transmitted light rays, which continue to propagate in the first waveguide plate 110. Understandably, since the first array beam splitter 180 redistributes the polarization of the transmitted light rays, the transmitted light rays still contain light rays with both the first and second polarization directions. When the transmitted light rays travel from the first waveguide plate to the second polarization beam splitter 160, the second polarization beam splitter 160 can transmit the light rays with the second polarization direction. That is, the light rays with the second polarization direction will exit from the optical waveguide assembly 1000, while the light rays with the first polarization direction will continue to propagate in the first waveguide plate 110.

[0050] Furthermore, when unpolarized light rays strike the first polarizing beam splitter 120, the light rays with the second polarization direction can be reflected by the first polarizing beam splitter 120 and pass through the first depolarizer 140, where they are converted back into unpolarized light rays and enter the second waveguide plate 150. After total internal reflection in the second waveguide plate 150, they strike the first depolarizer 140 and the first polarizing beam splitter 120 again. The situation where unpolarized light rays strike the first polarizing beam splitter 120 is the same as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] In their actual research, the inventors discovered that as light undergoes multiple reflections and transmissions between the film layers, the polarization state of the transmitted light may gradually deviate from the polarization properties of the initial incident light. This results in a significant aberration in the polarization characteristics of the light output from the transition film layer near the initial position and the transition film layer near the end position, leading to poor uniformity of the coupled light.

[0052] In view of this, the optical waveguide assembly 1000 of this embodiment of the invention, by stacking a first polarization beamsplitter 120, a first depolarizer 140, and a second waveguide plate 150 on the first surface 111 of the first waveguide plate 110, and by setting a second polarization beamsplitter 160 on the second surface 112, allows light rays with only the first polarization direction to enter the first waveguide plate 110 from the first surface 111. Simultaneously, after the polarization of the light transmitted by the first array beamsplitter is redistributed, light rays with the second polarization direction will be transmitted out from the second polarization beamsplitter 160, allowing light rays with only the first polarization direction to pass through the first waveguide plate 110. The light emitted from the first waveguide plate 110 is reflected and coupled out of the optical waveguide component 1000 by the first array beam splitter 180 to enter the human eye. The light with the second polarization direction cannot be transmitted in the first waveguide plate 110. This ensures that the light rays that hit the first array beam splitter 180 have basically the same polarization state after passing through the first array beam splitter 180 multiple times. This allows the first array beam splitter 180 to match the polarization state of the light rays well, and also ensures that the polarization state of the light rays reflected from the first array beam splitter 180 out of the first waveguide plate 110 is basically the same, thereby improving the uniformity of the light rays coupled out of the optical waveguide component 1000.

[0053] It should be noted that the optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be a one-dimensional waveguide or a two-dimensional waveguide, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this. When the optical waveguide assembly 1000 is a two-dimensional waveguide, it may further include an output waveguide with a light output structure. The light reflected by the first array beam splitter 180 exits from the first surface 111 of the first waveguide plate 110 and then strikes the second waveguide plate 150. After exiting the second waveguide plate 150, it strikes the output waveguide, and after being dilated again by the output waveguide, it exits from the optical waveguide assembly 1000 and strikes the human eye. Since the polarization state of the light reflected from the first array beam splitter 180 from the first waveguide plate 110 is basically the same, the polarization state of this part of the light when it strikes the output waveguide is basically the same. This allows the light output structure in the output waveguide to be better matched with the polarization state of this part of the light, thereby further improving the uniformity of the output light of the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0054] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the first waveguide unit 100 further includes a third waveguide plate 130, which is disposed between the first polarization beamsplitter 120 and the first depolarizer 140. That is, the first polarization beamsplitter 120 and the first depolarizer 140 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the third waveguide plate 130. This allows the first polarization beamsplitter 120 and the first depolarizer 140 to be respectively bonded to two opposite surfaces of the third waveguide plate 130, thereby simplifying the fabrication process of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 and improving the stability of the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0055] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 In some optional embodiments, the first waveguide unit 100 further includes a fourth waveguide plate 170, which is disposed on the side of the second polarization beam splitter 160 opposite to the first waveguide plate 110. It should be noted that light rays entering the first waveguide plate 110 with the first polarization direction are partially transmitted by the first array beam splitter 180 to form transmitted light. Since the first array beam splitter 180 redistributes the polarization of the transmitted light, light rays with the second polarization direction in the transmitted light will be transmitted through the second polarization beam splitter 160 and exit the optical waveguide assembly 1000. This portion of the beam transmitted out of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 results in wasted light and may leak the image content transmitted in the optical waveguide assembly 1000, leading to poor privacy.

[0056] Therefore, by setting a fourth waveguide plate 170 on the side of the second polarization beam splitter 160 away from the first waveguide plate 110, the light beam transmitted from the second polarization beam splitter 160 will not exit from the optical waveguide assembly 1000, but will be totally reflected by the fourth waveguide plate 170 and re-enter the optical waveguide assembly 1000, thereby improving the optical transmission efficiency of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 and enhancing the privacy of the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0057] Please follow along Figure 2 In some optional embodiments, a second waveguide unit 200 is further included, which is aligned with the first waveguide unit 100. The second waveguide unit 200 includes a fifth waveguide plate 210. Understandably, the fifth waveguide plate 210 includes two opposing and parallel surfaces. The alignment of the second waveguide unit 200 with the first waveguide unit 100 means that one surface of the fifth waveguide plate 210 is flush with the surface of the second waveguide plate 150 facing away from the first depolarizer 140, and the other surface of the fifth waveguide plate 210 is flush with the surface of the second polarization beamsplitter 160 facing away from the first waveguide plate 110. Alternatively, when the first waveguide unit 100 includes a fourth waveguide plate 170, the other surface of the fifth waveguide plate 210 is flush with the surface of the fourth waveguide plate 170 facing away from the second polarization beamsplitter 160.

[0058] Specifically, the optical waveguide assembly 1000 may include a coupling element, through which light can enter the second waveguide unit 200, undergo total internal reflection in the second waveguide unit 200, enter the first waveguide unit 100, be reflected by the first array beam splitter 180, and then be coupled out from the first surface 111. Thus, by providing the second waveguide unit 200, the structure of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be simplified, the fabrication process of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be simplified, and the cost of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be reduced.

[0059] Please follow along Figure 2 In some optional embodiments, multiple first waveguide units 100 and multiple second waveguide units 200 are provided, and the multiple first waveguide units 100 and the multiple second waveguide units 200 are alternately arranged. Specifically, the optical waveguide assembly 1000 may include two first waveguide units 100 and two second waveguide units 200. For example, the optical waveguide assembly 1000 may include a coupling element, through which light can enter the second waveguide unit 200 and then sequentially enter the first waveguide unit 100, the second waveguide unit 200 and the first waveguide unit 100 for transmission. The optical waveguide assembly 1000 may further include three first waveguide units 100 and three second waveguide units 200, etc. The number of first waveguide units 100 and second waveguide units 200 may also be different; for example, the optical waveguide assembly 1000 may include three first waveguide units 100 and two second waveguide units 200, or the optical waveguide assembly 1000 may include two first waveguide units 100 and three second waveguide units 200, etc. This embodiment of the invention does not impose limitations in this regard. The optical waveguide assembly 1000 may also include two first waveguide units 100 and one second waveguide unit 200. For example, light can enter the first waveguide unit 100 through a coupling element, then enter the second waveguide unit 200, undergo total internal reflection in the second waveguide unit 200, and then enter the next first waveguide unit 100.

[0060] It should be noted that the light rays with the second polarization direction in the transmitted light rays transmitted from the first array beam splitter 180, after being transmitted through the second polarization beam splitter 160, enter the fourth waveguide plate 170. After total internal reflection in the fourth waveguide plate 170, this part of the light rays with the second polarization direction may re-enter the first waveguide plate 110, thereby affecting the imaging effect of the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0061] In this embodiment of the invention, the first waveguide unit 100 and the second waveguide unit 200 are alternately arranged in the optical waveguide assembly 1000. When the fourth waveguide plate 170 performs total internal reflection on the light in the second polarization direction and transmits the light in the second polarization direction after total internal reflection to the second waveguide unit 200, the second waveguide unit 200 performs total internal reflection on the light in the second polarization direction again, so that the light in the second polarization direction enters the first waveguide unit 100 again. Furthermore, the light in the second polarization direction becomes unpolarized light after passing through the first depolarizer 140. At this time, it is the same as the case of unpolarized light entering the first polarization beam splitter 120 in the previous embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0062] Therefore, by alternating the first waveguide unit 100 and the second waveguide unit 200, the light utilization rate of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be improved, and at the same time, the imaging effect of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 can be further improved.

[0063] In some optional embodiments, the first waveguide plate 110, the second waveguide plate 150, the third waveguide plate 130, the fourth waveguide plate 170, and the fifth waveguide plate 210 are made of the same material. Therefore, since multiple waveguide plates are made of the same material, they have the same refractive index, which reduces the difficulty of controlling the light transmission angle, further reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the optical waveguide assembly 1000, and lowers the cost of the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0064] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 3 In some optional embodiments, the optical waveguide assembly 1000 further includes a third waveguide unit 300, which is aligned with and alternately arranged with the first waveguide unit 100. The third waveguide unit 300 includes a seventh waveguide plate 350, a second depolarizer 340, a third polarization beamsplitter 320, a sixth waveguide plate 310, a fourth polarization beamsplitter 360, and an eighth waveguide plate 370, which are stacked sequentially. The alignment of the third waveguide unit 300 with the first waveguide unit 100 means that the surface of the seventh waveguide plate 350 away from the third polarization beamsplitter 320 is flush with the surface of the fourth waveguide plate 170 away from the second polarization beamsplitter 160, and the surface of the eighth waveguide plate 370 away from the fourth polarization beamsplitter 360 is flush with the surface of the second waveguide plate 150 away from the first depolarizer 140.

[0065] Furthermore, the sixth waveguide plate 310 includes a third surface 311 and a fourth surface 312 arranged opposite to and parallel to each other. The sixth waveguide plate 310 is aligned with the first waveguide plate 110. A second array beam splitter 380 is disposed in the sixth waveguide plate 310. The second array beam splitter 380 is arranged at an angle to the third surface 311 and the fourth surface 312. That is, the third surface 311 of the sixth waveguide plate 310 is aligned with the first surface 111 of the first waveguide plate 110, and the fourth surface 312 of the sixth waveguide plate 310 is aligned with the second surface 112 of the first waveguide plate 110.

[0066] Furthermore, the third polarization beam splitter 320 is disposed on the fourth surface 312. The third polarization beam splitter 320 is used to transmit light in the first polarization direction and reflect light in the second polarization direction. Specifically, the third polarization beam splitter 320 can also be an optical element such as a wire grid. The structure of the third polarization beam splitter 320 can be the same as or different from the structure of the first polarization beam splitter 120. The embodiments of the present invention do not impose any restrictions on this.

[0067] Furthermore, the second depolarizer 340 is disposed on the side of the third polarization beam splitter 320 away from the sixth waveguide plate 310. The second depolarizer 340 is used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light. Specifically, the second depolarizer 340 can be an optical element such as a phase delay film or a depolarization film. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this.

[0068] Furthermore, the seventh waveguide plate 350 is disposed on the side of the second depolarizer 340 opposite to the third polarization beam splitter 320.

[0069] Furthermore, a fourth polarization beamsplitter 360 is disposed on the third surface 311. The fourth polarization beamsplitter 360 is used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction. Specifically, the fourth polarization beamsplitter 360 can also be an optical element such as a wire grid. The structure of the fourth polarization beamsplitter 360 can be the same as or different from the structure of the second polarization beamsplitter 160. This embodiment of the invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0070] Furthermore, the eighth waveguide plate 370 is disposed on the side of the fourth polarization beam splitter 360 opposite to the sixth waveguide plate 310.

[0071] It should be noted that after the fourth waveguide plate 170 performs total internal reflection on the light in the second polarization direction, the light in the second polarization direction after total internal reflection is transmitted to the third waveguide unit 300. At this time, the light in the second polarization direction becomes unpolarized light after passing through the second depolarizer 340. The unpolarized light is directed towards the third polarization beam splitter 320. The third polarization beam splitter 320 transmits the light in the first polarization direction, and causes the light in the first polarization direction to enter the sixth waveguide plate 310. When the light in the first polarization direction enters the second array beam splitter 380, the second array beam splitter 380 can redistribute the polarization of the transmitted beam. That is, at this time, the transmitted light contains the light in the first polarization direction and the light in the second polarization direction. Among them, the light in the second polarization direction can be transmitted from the fourth polarization beam splitter 360 and directed towards the eighth waveguide plate 370. After total internal reflection by the eighth waveguide plate 370, it enters the next first waveguide unit 100 again.

[0072] Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the optical waveguide component 1000 can improve the light utilization rate of the optical waveguide component 1000 by alternately arranging the first waveguide unit 100 and the third waveguide unit 300, and at the same time, further improve the imaging effect of the optical waveguide component 1000.

[0073] Please refer to the above as well. Figure 3 In some optional embodiments, the third waveguide unit 300 further includes a ninth waveguide plate 330, which is disposed between the third polarization beam splitter 320 and the second depolarizer 340. That is, the third polarization beam splitter 320 and the second depolarizer 340 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the ninth waveguide plate 330. Thus, the third polarization beam splitter 320 and the second depolarizer 340 can be respectively bonded to two opposite surfaces of the ninth waveguide plate 330, thereby simplifying the process of fabricating the optical waveguide assembly 1000 and improving the stability of the optical waveguide assembly 1000.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, the first waveguide plate 110, the second waveguide plate 150, the third waveguide plate 130, the fourth waveguide plate 170, the sixth waveguide plate 310, the seventh waveguide plate 350, the eighth waveguide plate 370, and the ninth waveguide plate 330 are made of the same material. Therefore, since multiple waveguide plates are made of the same material, they also have the same refractive index. This reduces the difficulty of controlling the light transmission angle, further reducing the manufacturing process difficulty of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 and lowering its cost.

[0075] It should be noted that the structure of the third waveguide unit 300 is equivalent to flipping the structure of the first waveguide unit 100. Therefore, when fabricating the optical waveguide component 1000, only the structure of the first waveguide unit 100 can be fabricated, and the first waveguide unit 100 and the flipped first waveguide unit 100 can be alternately bonded to form the optical waveguide component 1000. This can further simplify the structure of the optical waveguide component 1000, reduce the manufacturing process difficulty of the optical waveguide component 1000, and reduce the cost of the optical waveguide component 1000.

[0076] A near-eye display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a projection component and an optical waveguide component 1000 as described in the above embodiment. The projection component projects light; the optical waveguide component 1000 receives the light projected by the projection component and transmits the light to the human eye. Therefore, by providing the optical waveguide component 1000 of the above embodiment, the overall performance of the near-eye display device is improved.

[0077] Other configurations and operations of the optical waveguide assembly 1000 and the near-eye display device according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0078] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0079] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0080] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0081] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0082] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0083] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An optical waveguide assembly, characterized by, The optical waveguide assembly includes a first waveguide unit, the first waveguide unit comprising: A first waveguide plate includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. A first array beam splitter is disposed inside the first waveguide plate. The first array beam splitter is disposed at an angle to the first surface and the second surface. The first array beam splitter is used to couple the light transmitted inside the first waveguide plate out from the first surface. A first polarization beam splitter is disposed on the first surface. The first polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light with a first polarization direction and reflect light with a second polarization direction. The first depolarizer is disposed on the side of the first polarization beam splitter away from the first waveguide plate. The first depolarizer is used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light. The second waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the first depolarizer away from the first polarization beam splitter. A second polarization beam splitter is disposed on the second surface. The second polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction. Wherein, the first polarization direction is perpendicular to the second polarization direction; The third waveguide plate is disposed between the first polarization beam splitter and the first depolarizer; A fourth waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the second polarization beam splitter opposite to the first waveguide plate.

2. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 1, wherein, The optical waveguide assembly further includes a second waveguide unit, which is aligned with the first waveguide unit, and the second waveguide unit includes a fifth waveguide plate.

3. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 2, wherein, Multiple first waveguide units and multiple second waveguide units are provided, and multiple first waveguide units and multiple second waveguide units are arranged alternately.

4. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 3, wherein, The first waveguide plate, the second waveguide plate, the third waveguide plate, the fourth waveguide plate, and the fifth waveguide plate are made of the same material.

5. The optical waveguide assembly of claim 1, wherein, The optical waveguide assembly further includes a third waveguide unit, which is aligned with and alternately arranged with the first waveguide unit. The third waveguide unit includes: The sixth waveguide plate includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite to each other. The sixth waveguide plate is aligned with the first waveguide plate. A second array beam splitter is disposed in the sixth waveguide plate. The second array beam splitter is disposed at an angle to the third surface and the fourth surface. A third polarization beam splitter is disposed on the fourth surface. The third polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light rays with a first polarization direction and reflect light rays with a second polarization direction. The second depolarizer is disposed on the side of the third polarization beam splitter away from the sixth waveguide plate. The second depolarizer is used to convert polarized light into unpolarized light. The seventh waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the second depolarizer away from the third polarization beam splitter; A fourth polarization beam splitter is disposed on the third surface. The fourth polarization beam splitter is used to transmit light with a second polarization direction and reflect light with a first polarization direction. The eighth waveguide plate is disposed on the side of the fourth polarization beam splitter opposite to the sixth waveguide plate.

6. The optical waveguide assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The third waveguide unit also includes a ninth waveguide plate, which is disposed between the third polarization beam splitter and the second depolarizer.

7. The optical waveguide assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first waveguide plate, the second waveguide plate, the third waveguide plate, the fourth waveguide plate, the sixth waveguide plate, the seventh waveguide plate, the eighth waveguide plate, and the ninth waveguide plate are made of the same material.

8. A near-eye display device, characterized in that, include: Projection assembly, the projection assembly being used to project light; The optical waveguide assembly as described in any one of claims 1-7 is used to receive light projected by the projection assembly and transmit the light to the human eye.

Images