Optical system including pancake lens, display device using same, and electronic device including display device

Abstract

Disclosed are an optical system, a display device, and an electronic device, the optical system including: a display section including a display layer including a light emitting element, a first quarter-wave plate (QWP) on the display layer, an absorption polarization layer on the first QWP, and a second QWP on the absorption polarization layer; an optical path converter on the display unit; and a pancake lens portion on the optical path converter, in which the display portion is configured to output first light provided to the optical path converter, and in which the optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and to output second light, the optical path of which is converted, based on the first light.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0113415, filed on August 23, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosure relates to an optical system including a pancake lens, a display device using the optical system, and an electronic device including the display device. Background Technology

[0003] With the increasing interest in information display, research and development of display devices are ongoing. The application areas of display devices are expanding further, and display devices can be configured to realize virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems, mixed reality systems, and combinations thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosed aspect provides an optical system including a pancake lens with improved optical performance, a display device using the optical system, and an electronic device including the display device.

[0005] The disclosed aspect provides an optical system including a pancake lens that does not require excessive physical specifications, a display device using the optical system, and an electronic device including the display device.

[0006] According to one or more disclosed embodiments, an optical system may include: a display unit including a display layer containing a light-emitting element, a first quarter-wave plate (QWP) on the display layer, an absorptive polarization layer on the first QWP, and a second QWP on the absorptive polarization layer; an optical path converter on the display unit; and a pancake lens unit on the optical path converter, wherein the display unit is configured to output first light provided to the optical path converter, and wherein the optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and is configured to output second light based on the first light and convert the optical path.

[0007] The first light may include circularly polarized light formed by transmitting linearly polarized light from the display layer through a first QWP, an absorbing polarization layer, and a second QWP, wherein the pancake lens is configured to receive the second light and is configured to output a third light based on the second light output path.

[0008] The first light can be configured to be applied to the light path converter along the display direction, wherein the display direction is substantially perpendicular to the display surface of the display layer.

[0009] The first light can be configured to be applied to the optical path converter along a direction substantially parallel to the baseline, wherein the second light is configured to be applied to the pancake lens portion along a direction forming a first angle with respect to the baseline.

[0010] The baseline can be a virtual line that extends along the display direction.

[0011] The optical path converter can be configured to move the optical path of the first light in a direction from the center portion of the pancake lens portion toward the edge portion of the pancake lens portion.

[0012] The display unit can be configured to provide first light to a first range, wherein the pancake lens unit is configured to receive second light in a second range that is wider than the first range.

[0013] Optical path converters can include anisotropic structures.

[0014] Optical path converters can have a flat plate shape.

[0015] The optical path converter may include at least one of a geometric phase lens and a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate.

[0016] Optical path converters may include concave lenses with negative focal lengths.

[0017] An optical path converter can be configured to provide a second light that is circularly polarized in a direction different from that of the first light.

[0018] The optical path converter can be located on the display section and can be spaced apart from the pancake lens section.

[0019] The pancake lens section may include a semi-reflective mirror layer on the optical path converter, a lens QWP on the semi-reflective mirror layer, and a reflective polarization layer on the lens QWP, and may be configured to receive a second light and output a third light based on the second light.

[0020] The pancake lens portion may include a main lens portion having a convex lens shape, wherein the third light is linearly polarized light and is configured to be applied to the user's pupil.

[0021] Light-emitting elements can include organic light-emitting elements (OLEDs) or inorganic light-emitting elements.

[0022] According to one or more disclosed embodiments, a display device includes an optical system comprising: a display unit including a display layer containing light-emitting elements, a first quarter-wave plate (QWP) on the display layer, an absorptive polarization layer on the first QWP, and a second QWP on the absorptive polarization layer; an optical path converter on the display unit; and a pancake lens unit on the optical path converter, wherein the display unit is configured to output first light provided to the optical path converter, and wherein the optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and is configured to output second light based on the first light and convert the optical path.

[0023] Display devices may include one of virtual reality systems, augmented reality systems, mixed reality systems, and combinations thereof.

[0024] According to one or more of the disclosed embodiments, an optical system including a pancake lens with improved optical performance and a display device using the optical system can be provided.

[0025] According to one or more of the disclosed embodiments, an optical system including a pancake lens, a display device using the optical system, and an electronic device including the display device can be provided that do not require excessive physical specifications.

[0026] According to one or more disclosed embodiments, an electronic device may include: a processor configured to provide input image data; a display device configured to display an image based on the input image data, the display device including sub-pixel regions; and a power supply configured to supply power to the display device, wherein the display device includes an optical system comprising: a display unit including a display layer comprising a light-emitting element, a first quarter-wave plate (QWP) on the display layer, an absorptive polarizing layer on the first QWP, and a second QWP on the absorptive polarizing layer; an optical path converter on the display unit; and a pancake lens unit on the optical path converter, wherein the display unit is configured to output first light provided to the optical path converter, and wherein the optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and is configured to output second light whose optical path is converted based on the first light. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other aspects of the disclosure will become more apparent from the further detailed description of the disclosed embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system according to one or more embodiments; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display section according to one or more embodiments; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system according to one or more embodiments; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system according to one or more embodiments; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a display device using an optical system according to one or more embodiments; and Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device including a display device according to one or more embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Aspects of some embodiments of this disclosure and methods of implementing them can be more readily understood by referring to the detailed description and accompanying drawings of the embodiments. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey aspects of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant processes, elements, and techniques that are irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments, or that are not essential for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand aspects of this disclosure, may be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals, characters, or combinations thereof denote the same elements throughout the drawings and written description, and therefore, their repeated description may be omitted.

[0029] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments shown herein. The terms "can," "may," or "may not" are used in the description of embodiments to correspond to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0030] In view of the overall content of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole, or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various suitable ways, and unless otherwise stated or implied, each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other, or in combination with each other in any suitable way.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In other words, the disclosure is not limited thereto because the dimensions and thicknesses of elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of description. Additionally, crosshairs and / or shading are typically provided in the drawings to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless specified, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities and / or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements shown.

[0032] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views that serve as schematic illustrations of examples and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the illustrated shapes will be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Furthermore, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the illustrated shapes of elements, layers, or regions, but will include shape deviations caused, for example, by manufacturing processes.

[0033] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “lower side,” “below,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” “upper side,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings to another (additional) element or feature. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the accompanying drawings, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is flipped, an element described as “below,” “under,” or “below” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when the first part is described as being arranged "on" the second part, this means that the first part is arranged on the upper or lower side of the second part, and is not limited to the upper side of the second part based on the direction of gravity.

[0034] It will be understood that when a component, layer, region, or assembly (e.g., device, apparatus, circuit, wiring, electrode, terminal, conductive film, etc.) is referred to as "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably, functionally, or communicatively) incorporated into" another component, layer, region, or assembly, it can be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly incorporated into the other component, layer, region, or assembly, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly incorporated into the other component, layer, region, or assembly, such that one or more intermediary components, layers, regions, or assemblies may exist. Furthermore, this can be collectively referred to as direct or indirect incorporation or connection, and integral or non-integral incorporation or connection. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as "electrically connected" or "electrically bonded" to another layer, region, or component, it can be directly electrically connected or directly bonded to said other layer, region, and / or component, or one or more intermediary layers, regions, or components may be present. One or more intermediary components may include switches, transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and / or diodes, etc. Therefore, the connection is not limited to the connections shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description, and may also include other types of connections. In describing embodiments, unless explicitly described as a direct connection, the expression for connection indicates an electrical connection, and "directly connected / directly bonded" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected to or directly bonded to another component, or directly on another component, without an intermediary component.

[0035] Furthermore, in this specification, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed on another portion, the formation direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the portion on a side surface or in the downward direction. Conversely, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is formed "below" another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is "directly below" the other portion, but also the case where there is another portion between the portion and the other portion. Similarly, other expressions describing relationships between components, such as "between," "immediately between," or "adjacent to," and "directly adjacent to," can be interpreted similarly. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0036] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of…”, “any one of…”, or “one or more of…” modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements within that list when preceding / following it. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one of the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” can be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, two or more of X, Y, and Z (such as XYZ, XY, YZ, and XZ) or any variations thereof. Similarly, the expression “at least one of A and B” can include A, B, or A and B. As used herein, “or” generally means “and / or”, and the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression “A and / or B” can include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as “at least one of…”, “multiple,” “one of…”, and other prepositional phrases modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements within that list when they precede or follow it. When “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0037] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a particular order, position, or priority, and are used only to distinguish one element, component, assembly, region, area, layer, section, or part from another element, component, assembly, region, area, layer, section, or part. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, first assembly, first region, first layer, or first section described below may be referred to as a second element, second assembly, second region, second layer, or second section. Describing an element as a “first” element does not require or imply the existence of a second element or other elements. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or groups of elements. For the sake of brevity, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may respectively mean “first category (or first group),” “second category (or second group),” etc.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms, and the plural forms are intended to include the singular forms. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree and are intended to account for inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “substantially” can include a range of + / - 5% of the corresponding value. As used herein, “about” or “approximately” includes the stated value and means: within an acceptable deviation range of the specific value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” means “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Additionally, the expression “identical” can mean “substantially identical.” In other words, the expression “identical” can include a range that is tolerable to one of ordinary skill in the art. Other expressions may also be those from which “substantially” has been omitted.

[0040] In some embodiments, well-known structures and arrangements may be described in the accompanying drawings with respect to one or more functional blocks (e.g., block diagrams), units, and / or modules to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that such blocks, units, and / or modules are physically implemented by logic circuitry, individual components, microprocessors, hardwired circuitry, memory elements, line connections, and other electronic circuitry. This can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Blocks, units, and / or modules implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware can be programmed and controlled using software to perform the various functions discussed herein, optionally driven by firmware and / or software. Additionally, each block, unit, and / or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and processors performing functions different from those of the dedicated hardware (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry). Furthermore, in some embodiments, blocks, units, and / or modules may be physically divided into two or more interactive separate blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In addition, in some embodiments, blocks, units and / or modules may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units and / or modules without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and / or the context of this specification, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein.

[0042] The disclosure relates to an optical system including a pancake lens, a display device using the optical system, and an electronic device including the display device. Hereinafter, the optical system including the pancake lens, the display device using the optical system, and the electronic device including the display device are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display portion according to one or more embodiments. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical system according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a display device using an optical system according to one or more embodiments.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 5An optical system 1, according to one or more embodiments, is configured to provide optical information (e.g., images, etc.) to a user 2.

[0045] The optical system 1 may include a display unit 100, an optical path converter 200, and a pancake lens unit 300.

[0046] In this specification, in order to more clearly describe the light formed (e.g., moving) between components, the light between components (e.g., light defined between components) is distinguished and described by ordinal numbers and the like.

[0047] The first light 2000 can be output from the display unit 100 and can be applied to the optical path converter 200. The first light 2000 can be light formed (e.g., defined) between the display unit 100 and the optical path converter 200.

[0048] The second light 3000 can be output from the optical path converter 200 and can be applied to the pancake lens section 300. The second light 3000 can be light formed (e.g., defined) between the optical path converter 200 and the pancake lens section 300. The second light 3000 can be light based on the first light 2000, and the optical path of the second light 3000 can be determined (e.g., changed) by the optical path converter 200.

[0049] The third light 4000 can be output from the pancake lens unit 300 and can be applied to the pupil 3 of the user 2. The third light 4000 can be light formed (e.g., defined) between the pancake lens unit 300 and the pupil 3 of the user 2. The third light 4000 can be light based on the second light 3000, and the optical characteristics and optical path of the third light 4000 can be determined (e.g., changed) by the pancake lens unit 300.

[0050] The display unit 100 can provide first light 2000 along the display direction DR_D, and the first light 2000 can generally move along the display direction DR_D and can be provided to the user 2. According to one or more embodiments, the first light 2000 provided by the display unit 100 in the optical system 1 can pass through the optical path converter 200 and the pancake lens unit 300, and can be applied to a portion of the pupil 3 of the user 2 to form an image.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments, the display direction DR_D can be a direction perpendicular to (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the display surface DS formed by the display unit 100. The display surface DS can be formed on a plane and can be a plane on which optical information is output. The display direction DR_D can be a direction perpendicular to the plane on which the display unit 100 is positioned. The display direction DR_D can be the thickness direction of the substrate on which the light-emitting element LD of the display unit 100 is positioned.

[0052] The display unit 100 can output circularly polarized first light 2000. According to one or more embodiments, the display unit 100 may include a display layer 120, a first quarter-wave plate (QWP) 140, an absorbing polarizing layer 160, and a second QWP 180.

[0053] Display layer 120 may include various light sources. For example, display layer 120 may include a light-emitting element (LD) as a self-emissive element. For example, the light-emitting element (LD) of display layer 120 may be an organic light-emitting element (OLED) or an inorganic light-emitting element (e.g., a micro light-emitting diode (LED)). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0054] Display layer 120 can provide a first internal light 1200. The first internal light 1200 can travel along the display direction DR_D and can be applied to the first QWP 140. The first internal light 1200 can be unpolarized light.

[0055] The first QWP 140 can be located between the display layer 120 and the absorption polarization layer 160. The first QWP 140 can receive the first internal light 1200 and output the second internal light 1400 based on the first internal light 1200. Because the first internal light 1200 is unpolarized light, the light components of the first internal light 1200 can be circularly polarized by the first QWP 140, and the second internal light 1400 can be unpolarized light including multiple circularly polarized components.

[0056] An absorbing polarization layer 160 may be located between a first QWP 140 and a second QWP 180. The absorbing polarization layer 160 may receive a second internal light 1400 and may output a third internal light 1600 based on the second internal light 1400. The second internal light 1400 may be linearly polarized by the absorbing polarization layer 160, and may provide a third internal light 1600 polarized in one direction (e.g., a specific or corresponding direction).

[0057] The absorbing polarizing layer 160 may include various materials, such as polymers. However, the disclosure is not limited to any particular example.

[0058] The second QWP 180 can be located on the absorbing polarization layer 160. The second QWP 180 can receive the third internal light 1600 and can output the first light 2000 based on the third internal light 1600. The third internal light 1600, which is linearly polarized light, can be circularly polarized by the second QWP 180, thus providing the circularly polarized first light 2000.

[0059] The first QWP 140 and the second QWP 180 may include various materials. For example, the first QWP 140 and the second QWP 180 may include cellulose triacetate (TAC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), etc. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0060] Therefore, the display unit 100 can output first light 2000 that is circularly polarized in one direction (e.g., right-hand circular polarization or left-hand circular polarization).

[0061] The optical path converter 200 may be located between the display unit 100 and the pancake lens unit 300. According to one or more embodiments, the optical path converter 200 may be located (e.g., directly on) the display unit 100 and may be spaced apart from one surface of the pancake lens unit 300.

[0062] The optical path converter 200 can change the optical path of the applied first light 2000 to the direction in which the first light 2000 diverges outward (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 4 For example, the optical path converter 200 can induce at least a portion of the applied first light 2000 to face outwards. (See reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 4 This will allow for a clear understanding of the optical paths (or aspects of the optical paths) of the first beam 2000 and the second beam 3000.

[0063] For example, a first light 2000 can be applied to the optical path converter 200 in a direction parallel (e.g., substantially parallel) to the baseline BS, and a second light 3000, which changes the optical path based on the first light 2000, can form a first angle ANG1 relative to the baseline BS. For example, the second light 3000 can be applied to the pancake lens section 300 in a direction forming the first angle ANG1 relative to the baseline BS.

[0064] The baseline BS can be a virtual line. The baseline BS can extend in the normal direction of the plane where the optical path converter 200 is positioned. The baseline BS can extend in the thickness direction of the optical path converter 200. The baseline BS can extend in the thickness direction of the display unit 100. The baseline BS can extend in the thickness direction of the substrate of the display unit 100. The baseline BS can extend along the display direction DR_D (e.g., approximately).

[0065] The second light beam 3000 can be applied to the pancake lens portion 300 at an angle relative to the first light beam 2000. For example, the first light beam 2000 (e.g., the optical path of the first light beam 2000) can be substantially parallel to the baseline BS and can face the front surface of the pancake lens portion 300. The second light beam 3000 (e.g., the optical path of the second light beam 3000) can be non-parallel to the baseline BS and can face the region adjacent to the edge portion EDG of the pancake lens portion 300.

[0066] For example, the first light 2000 can travel approximately parallel to the baseline BS, and the optical path of the first light 2000 can be shifted (e.g., changed) in the direction from the center portion CEN of the pancake lens section 300 toward the edge portion EDG of the pancake lens section 300. The optical path of the first light 2000 can diverge in the direction from the center portion CEN of the pancake lens section 300 toward the edge portion EDG of the pancake lens section 300.

[0067] Therefore, the first light 2000, which is output from the front surface of the display unit 100 and provided in the vertical direction (e.g., the direction in which the baseline BS extends), can extend to the region adjacent to the edge portion EDG and can be applied to the pancake lens portion 300. That is, the display unit 100 can provide the first light 2000 to a first range, and the second light 3000 can be applied to the pancake lens portion 300 in a second range that is wider than the first range.

[0068] The optical path converter 200 can be configured using an anisotropic structure having dimensions similar to the wavelength of the applied light. The optical path converter 200 may include the anisotropic structure. For example, if circularly polarized light is supplied to the anisotropic structure, a phase delay of the light can occur due to the anisotropic structure.

[0069] According to one or more embodiments, the anisotropic structure included in the optical path converter 200 can be manufactured using an imprinting process, and can also be manufactured using a method of patterning the material of the anisotropic structure and then curing (e.g., photocuring or thermocuring) the material.

[0070] According to one or more embodiments, the optical path converter 200 may include at least one of a geometric phase lens and a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate.

[0071] Geometric phase lenses may include liquid crystal elements, meta elements, etc., and may include micropatterned structures. Pancharatnam-Berry phase plates may include liquid crystal elements, meta elements, etc., and may include micropatterned structures.

[0072] A geometric phase lens and a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate can control the phase delay of the applied light. For example, the geometric phase lens and / or the Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate can be configured to operate as a convex or concave lens.

[0073] According to one or more embodiments, the optical path converter 200, implemented as one of a geometric phase lens and a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate, can operate as a concave lens. For example, the optical path converter 200 can have a negative focal length. Thus, the optical path converter 200 can switch the optical path of the first light 2000 to output a second light 3000 that generally faces the region adjacent to the edge portion EDG.

[0074] According to one or more embodiments, the optical path converter 200, implemented as a geometric phase lens and a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate, can be designed to have a refractive power by modulating the phase of the incident light differently depending on the position.

[0075] For example, when left-handed circularly polarized light is incident, the optical path converter 200 can modulate the phase to right-handed circularly polarized light. Alternatively, when right-handed circularly polarized light is incident, the optical path converter 200 can modulate the phase to left-handed circularly polarized light.

[0076] Therefore, the second light 3000 can be circularly polarized light. For example, when the first light 2000 is right-handed circularly polarized light, the second light 3000 can be left-handed circularly polarized light. When the first light 2000 is left-handed circularly polarized light, the second light 3000 can be right-handed circularly polarized light.

[0077] The optical path converter 200 can have a flat plate shape and can have the desired optical modulation characteristics with a relatively thin thickness. For example, the optical path converter 200 can be implemented by patterning a material on a thin substrate. Therefore, even when the display device 10 is set up using an optical system 1 including the optical path converter 200, physical space can be avoided in the display device 10, and a display device 10 with excellent physical specifications that achieves thinness and light weight can be provided.

[0078] The pancake lens portion 300 can be located in the optical system 1 between the user 2 (e.g., the pupil 3 of the user 2) and the optical path converter 200. For example, one surface of the pancake lens portion 300 can be spaced apart from the optical path converter 200, and the other surface of the pancake lens portion 300 can be spaced apart from the pupil 3 of the user 2.

[0079] The pancake lens section 300 allows light to move several times between the layers forming the pancake lens section 300, so that the third light 4000 output from the pancake lens section 300 has a corresponding polarization state.

[0080] The pancake lens section 300 can precisely control the polarization state of light using the method described above, and because the pancake lens section 300 has a relatively thin thickness, the optical system 1 can be designed more precisely. Therefore, the display device 10 using the optical system 1 can be designed with a more compact design, and can also have high image quality and relatively excellent viewing angle characteristics.

[0081] The pancake lens 300 can receive the second light 3000 and output the third light 4000 toward the pupil 3 of the user 2.

[0082] The pancake lens section 300 may include a main lens section BD, a semi-reflective mirror layer 320, a lens QWP 340, and a reflective polarizing layer 360.

[0083] According to one or more embodiments, the semi-reflective mirror layer 320, the lens QWP 340, and the reflective polarizing layer 360 may be located on one surface and / or another surface of the main lens portion BD. For example, the semi-reflective mirror layer 320, the lens QWP 340, and the reflective polarizing layer 360 may be located (e.g., arranged sequentially on) one surface of the main lens portion BD (e.g., the surface facing user 2). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0084] The main lens portion BD can have a shape for refracting the applied light. For example, the main lens portion BD can have a convex lens structure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For ease of description, in Figure 3 The main lens section BD is omitted.

[0085] According to one or more embodiments, the pancake lens unit 300 can change the applied second light 3000 into a third light 4000 with corresponding polarization characteristics, and can output the third light 4000.

[0086] The semi-reflective mirror layer 320 may be located between the optical path converter 200 and the lens QWP 340. The semi-reflective mirror layer 320 may be configured to reflect a portion of the applied light and transmit another portion of the applied light. According to one or more embodiments, the semi-reflective mirror layer 320 may include a semi-reflective mirror structure and may also include a beam splitter.

[0087] The semi-reflective mirror layer 320 can receive the second light 3000 and output the light 3220 from the inside of the first lens. The light 3220 from the inside of the first lens and the second light 3000 can have the same phase. For example, similar to the second light 3000, the light 3220 from the inside of the first lens can be right-handed or left-handed circularly polarized light.

[0088] Lens QWP 340 may be located between the semi-reflective mirror layer 320 and the reflective polarizing layer 360. Lens QWP 340 can convert applied circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light. Lens QWP 340 may include various materials. For example, lens QWP 340 may include cellulose triacetate (TAC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0089] Lens QWP 340 can receive light 3220 from the first lens and output light 3240 from the second lens. The light 3240 from the second lens can be linearly polarized light. For example, compared to the light 3220 from the first lens, the light 3240 from the second lens can have a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees.

[0090] The reflective polarization layer 360 may be located on one surface of the lens QWP 340. The reflective polarization layer 360 may be configured to reflect light of a corresponding polarization state and transmit light of another polarization state. According to one or more embodiments, the reflective polarization layer 360 may have various structures. For example, the reflective polarization layer 360 may have the properties described above by comprising a polymer material and may have a wire grid-shaped structure. However, the disclosure is not limited to any particular example.

[0091] The reflective polarization layer 360 can receive the light 3240 inside the second lens and output the light 3420 inside the third lens. The phase difference of the light 3420 inside the third lens can remain unchanged, and it can have a linear polarization state that is basically the same as that of the light 3240 inside the second lens.

[0092] The third lens internal light 3420 can be applied to lens QWP 340, can pass through lens QWP 340, and can be provided as the fourth lens internal light 3440 facing the semi-reflective mirror layer 320. The fourth lens internal light 3440 can be circularly polarized light. Compared with the third lens internal light 3420, the fourth lens internal light 3440 can have a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees. Here, the fourth lens internal light 3440 can have a circularly polarized state in a direction different from the circularly polarized direction of the second light 3000. For example, when the second light 3000 is right-handed circularly polarized light, the fourth lens internal light 3440 can be left-handed circularly polarized light, and when the second light 3000 is left-handed circularly polarized light, the fourth lens internal light 3440 can be right-handed circularly polarized light.

[0093] The light 3440 inside the fourth lens can be applied to the semi-reflective mirror layer 320, and at least a portion of the light 3440 inside the fourth lens can be reflected by the semi-reflective mirror layer 320 and provided as the light 3620 inside the fifth lens. The light 3620 inside the fifth lens can have the same phase as the light 3440 inside the fourth lens and can have a circularly polarized state in substantially the same direction as the light 3440 inside the fourth lens.

[0094] The internal light 3620 of the fifth lens can be applied to lens QWP 340, can pass through lens QWP 340, and can be provided as the internal light 3640 of the sixth lens facing the reflective polarization layer 360. The internal light 3640 of the sixth lens can be linearly polarized light. Compared with the internal light 3620 of the fifth lens, the internal light 3640 of the sixth lens can have a phase difference of approximately 90 degrees.

[0095] The light 3640 inside the sixth lens can be applied to the reflective polarization layer 360, can pass through the reflective polarization layer 360, and can be provided as a third light 4000 output to the outside. The third light 4000 can have the same phase as the light 3640 inside the sixth lens and can have substantially the same linear polarization state. According to one or more embodiments, as the light moves through the layers included in the pancake lens section 300, a phase difference of approximately 270 degrees can be added to the second light 3000, and the second light 3000 can pass through the reflective polarization layer 360 and can be output as the third light 4000.

[0096] According to one or more embodiments, the third light 4000 provided to user 2 can be provided with a corresponding polarization state. According to one or more embodiments, the optical system 1 can have a structure that uses the pancake lens portion 300 as described above to polarize the light, which can simplify the structure of the display device 10 using the optical system 1 and can provide the expected optical characteristics of the provided light precisely or accurately.

[0097] According to one or more embodiments, the third light 4000 output from the pancake lens section 300 can be directed toward the pupil 3 of the user 2.

[0098] The pancake lens section 300 can change (e.g., refract) the optical path of the applied second light 3000, so that the third light 4000 is applied to the pupil 3 of the user 2, and can output the third light 4000. For example, based on the second light 3000, the optical path-changed third light 4000 can form a second angle ANG2 relative to the baseline BS.

[0099] According to one or more embodiments, the second angle ANG2 may be different from the first angle ANG1. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and according to one or more embodiments, the second angle ANG2 may be similar to the first angle ANG1.

[0100] The third light 4000 can be applied to the pupil 3 of the user 2 at an angle relative to the first light 2000 output by the display unit 100. For example, at least a portion of the third light 4000 can be provided from the region adjacent to the edge portion EDG of the pancake lens unit 300, and can be applied to the pupil 3 of the user 2 located in a region that is relatively narrower than the pancake lens unit 300.

[0101] The optical path of the first light 2000 can be changed by the optical path converter 200, the second light 3000 can be applied to the pancake lens section 300 over a relatively wide area, and the third light 4000 based on the second light 3000 can be provided to the user 2.

[0102] According to one or more embodiments, the display unit 100 can output light information along a vertical direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the display direction DR_D), and can provide the user 2 with light information whose light path is changed by the light path converter 200 and the pancake lens unit 300. That is, the second angle ANG2 of the third light 4000 applied to the user 2 can be distributed between a relatively low angle (e.g., about 0 degrees) and a relatively large angle (e.g., about 70 degrees, etc.).

[0103] In experiments, in order for user 2 to clearly identify the optical image formed by optical system 1, the distribution (e.g., intensity) of the third light 4000 applied according to the magnitude of each second angle ANG2 can be appropriately formed substantially uniformly. For example, when the intensity of the third light 4000 at a high second angle ANG2 is significantly lower than the intensity of the third light 4000 at a low second angle ANG2, user 2 may have difficulty clearly identifying the optical image expected by optical system 1.

[0104] However, according to one or more embodiments, the optical path converter 200, which changes the optical path to be adjacent to the edge portion EDG of the pancake lens section 300, can be located between the pancake lens section 300 and the display section 100, which can reduce or prevent the above-mentioned effects and provide an optical system 1 that can provide excellent color brightness and color uniformity.

[0105] Furthermore, since the optical path converter 200 changes at least a portion of the optical path in the optical system 1 by using a geometric phase lens or a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate, the risk of changes in the optical information or optical properties (e.g., brightness, uniformity, etc.) of the light provided by the display unit 100 can be reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, when the above structure is implemented, the display unit 100 may include a light-emitting structure based on the front light-emitting structure. Therefore, since not too many additional structures are required, power efficiency can be improved, power consumption can be reduced, the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting element LD in the vertical direction can be increased, and the lifespan of the light-emitting element LD can be increased.

[0107] According to one or more embodiments, the optical system 1 can be applied to display structures in various fields. For example, the display device 10 can be configured to use the optical system 1 to implement a virtual reality system, an augmented reality system, a mixed reality system, or a combination thereof.

[0108] For example, the display device 10 may be a head-mounted display (HMD). The HMD may be a wearable electronic device that can be worn on the head of the user 2. For example, the display device 10 may include a head-mounted component 12 and a display storage component 14.

[0109] In the following, an electronic device 1000 including a display device 10 according to one or more embodiments will be described.

[0110] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an electronic device 1000 including a display device according to one or more embodiments.

[0111] Reference Figure 6 The electronic device 1000 may include a processor 1010, a memory device 1020, a storage device 1030, an input / output (I / O) device 1040, a power supply 1050, and a display device 1060. The display device 1060 may be a display device assembly including an optical system 1. The electronic device 1000 may also include various ports for communicating with video cards, sound cards, memory cards, USB devices, or other systems.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may be as described above. Figure 5 The described device is a head-mounted display (HMD). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 1000 can be applied to smart glasses for extended reality or various electronic devices. Alternatively, in another example, the electronic device 1000 can be a smartphone or a tablet PC.

[0113] However, the foregoing examples are illustrative, and the electronic device 1000 is not limited to the foregoing examples. For example, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented as a cellular phone, a video phone, a smart tablet, a smartwatch, a navigation device for a vehicle, a computer monitor, a laptop computer, etc.

[0114] Processor 1010 can perform corresponding calculations or tasks. In one or more embodiments, processor 1010 may be a microprocessor, central processing unit, application processor, etc. Processor 1010 can be connected to other components via address bus, control bus, data bus, etc. In one or more embodiments, processor 1010 may be connected to an expansion bus, such as a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus. In one or more embodiments, processor 1010 can provide input image data to display device 1060. Therefore, display device 1060 can display an image based on the input image data provided from processor 1010.

[0115] The memory device 1020 can store data required to perform the operation of the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory device 1020 may include non-volatile memory devices (such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) devices, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) devices, flash memory devices, phase-change random access memory (PRAM) devices, resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices, nanofloating gate memory (NFGM) devices, polymer random access memory (PoRAM) devices, magnetic random access memory (MRAM) devices, and ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) devices) and / or volatile memory devices (such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, mobile DRAM devices, etc.).

[0116] Storage device 1030 may include solid-state drive (SSD), hard disk drive (HDD), CD-ROM, etc.

[0117] I / O device 1040 may include input devices (such as a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, touchscreen, and mouse) and output devices (such as a speaker and printer). In one or more embodiments, display device 1060 may be included in I / O device 1040.

[0118] The power supply 1050 can supply the power required to operate the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply 1050 can be a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). In one or more embodiments, the power supply 1050 can supply power to the display device 1060.

[0119] Display device 1060 can display images corresponding to the visual information of electronic device 1000. Display device 1060 can be connected to other components via a bus or other communication link.

[0120] As described above, although the disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments above, those skilled in the art or those with common knowledge in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the disclosure without departing from the spirit and technical field of the disclosure described in the claims.

[0121] Therefore, the scope of the disclosed technology should not be limited to what is described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims and their functional equivalents included therein.

Claims

1. An optical system, the optical system comprising: The display unit includes a display layer containing light-emitting elements, a first quarter-wave plate on the display layer, an absorption polarization layer on the first quarter-wave plate, and a second quarter-wave plate on the absorption polarization layer. Optical path converter, on the display unit; as well as The pancake lens section is located on the optical path converter. The display unit is configured to output the first light provided to the optical path converter, and The optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and to output a second light based on the first light.

2. The optical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first light includes circularly polarized light formed by transmitting linearly polarized light from the display layer through the first quarter-wave plate, the absorbing polarizing layer, and the second quarter-wave plate. The pancake lens is configured to receive the second light and to output a third light based on the second light output optical path.

3. The optical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first light is configured to be applied to the optical path converter along the display direction. The display direction is perpendicular to the display surface of the display layer. The first light is configured to be applied to the optical path converter along a direction parallel to the baseline. The second light is configured to be applied to the pancake lens portion along a direction forming a first angle with respect to the baseline, and The baseline is a virtual line extending along the display direction.

4. The optical system as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The optical path converter is configured to move the optical path of the first light in a direction from the center portion of the pancake lens portion toward the edge portion of the pancake lens portion. The display unit is configured to provide the first light to a first range, and The pancake lens portion is configured to receive the second light within a second range that is wider than the first range.

5. The optical system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The optical path converter includes an anisotropic structure, and The optical path converter has a flat plate shape.

6. The optical system as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The optical path converter includes at least one of a geometric phase lens and a Pancharatnam-Berry phase plate. The optical path converter includes a concave lens with a negative focal length, and The optical path converter is configured to provide a second light that is circularly polarized in a direction different from the direction of circular polarization of the first light.

7. The optical system of claim 1, wherein, The optical path converter is located on the display unit and is spaced apart from the pancake lens unit.

8. The optical system of claim 1, wherein, The pancake lens section includes a semi-reflective mirror layer on the optical path converter, a quarter-wave plate on the semi-reflective mirror layer, and a reflective polarizing layer on the quarter-wave plate, and is configured to receive the second light and output a third light based on the second light. The pancake lens section includes a main lens section having a convex lens shape, and The third light is linearly polarized light and is configured to be applied to the user's pupil.

9. The optical system of claim 1, wherein, The light-emitting element includes organic light-emitting elements or inorganic light-emitting elements.

10. A display device including an optical system, the optical system comprising: The display unit includes a display layer containing light-emitting elements, a first quarter-wave plate on the display layer, an absorption polarization layer on the first quarter-wave plate, and a second quarter-wave plate on the absorption polarization layer. Optical path converter, on the display unit; as well as The pancake lens section is located on the optical path converter. The display unit is configured to output the first light provided to the optical path converter, and The optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and to output a second light based on the first light.

11. The display device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The display device includes one of a virtual reality system, an augmented reality system, a mixed reality system, and a combination thereof.

12. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: The processor is configured to provide input image data; A display device configured to display an image based on the input image, the display device including sub-pixel regions; as well as The power supply is configured to supply power to the display device. The display device includes an optical system, which includes: The display unit includes a display layer containing light-emitting elements, a first quarter-wave plate on the display layer, an absorption polarization layer on the first quarter-wave plate, and a second quarter-wave plate on the absorption polarization layer. Optical path converter, on the display unit; and The pancake lens section is located on the optical path converter. The display unit is configured to output the first light provided to the optical path converter, and The optical path converter is configured to receive the first light and to output a second light based on the first light.

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