Method for manufacturing an optical arrangement, optical arrangement and head-mounted display

Abstract

To produce a stacked optical arrangement (10) consisting of a first optical component (12) and a second optical component (14), a dam-shaped barrier (22; 22, 28) is created in a surface (18) of the first optical component (12), an adhesive (24) is applied to the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) outside the created barrier (22; 22, 28), the first and second optical components (12, 14) are joined together in the stacked arrangement so that the adhesive (24) and the barrier (22; 22, 28) come into contact with the mutually facing surfaces (18, 20) of the first and second optical components (12, 14), and the adhesive (24) is cured to bond the first and second optical components (12, 14) together, with the air gap region (16) inside the barrier (22; 22, 28). Such an optical arrangement (10) can be part of a head-mounted display.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an optical arrangement, wherein the optical arrangement to be manufactured comprises a first optical component and a second optical component in a stacked arrangement with an air gap area between mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical components.

[0002] The invention further relates to an optical arrangement comprising a first optical component and a second optical component in a stacked arrangement with an air gap area between mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical components.

[0003] An optical arrangement according to the present invention can be used in head-mounted displays, such as those found in smart glasses, augmented reality headsets, virtual reality headsets, mixed reality headsets, or augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality glasses, etc. In these application examples, one of the first and second optical components can be a waveguide, and the other of the first and second optical components can be a lens. Typically, the first and second optical components are arranged in a stacked configuration, i.e., one above the other, such that an air gap is present between the facing surfaces of the first and second optical components.If one of the first and second optical components is a waveguide in which a light beam is guided based on total internal reflection, the air gap region ensures the condition for total internal reflection at the interface between the waveguide and the air gap region. An optical arrangement according to the present invention can comprise more than two optical components in a stacked arrangement, with or without additional air gaps between adjacent surfaces of the optical components.

[0004] It is understood that, in the context of the present invention, the term "air gap" is not only to be understood as a gap filled with natural air, but could equally well be filled with a gaseous fluid other than natural air. The pressure in the air gap can be very low, such that it can also be considered a vacuum gap. In another embodiment, the air gap can be filled with a material with a low refractive index, which ensures the condition of total internal reflection as provided by an air or vacuum gap, wherein the low refractive index material may, but need not, exhibit certain adhesive properties.

[0005] WO 2024 / 008593 A1 discloses a method for manufacturing an optical arrangement comprising an optical waveguide and a lens in a stacked arrangement, with an air gap between the waveguide and the lens. This known method requires a mask to be applied to the waveguide or the lens before an adhesive is applied for bonding the waveguide and the lens together. The mask must be removed after the adhesive has hardened and the elements have bonded, which complicates removal and can lead to mask breakage, deformation, or contamination. Thus, the mask is an additional, separately manufactured, single-use element that further requires high-precision application using different technological processes compared to adhesive application and is complicated to remove.This makes the manufacturing process more complicated and expensive.

[0006] US 11,243,398 B2 discloses an optical arrangement usable in a head-mounted display. The optical arrangement comprises an optical waveguide with two opposing principal surfaces for guiding light by total internal reflection and at least one wafer facing one of the waveguide surfaces. Intermediate arrangement means are present in contact with this surface of the light-guiding element and define a gap that optically isolates the waveguide.

[0007] US 20240142694 A1 discloses a stacked optical assembly comprising a first optical substrate, a second optical substrate, and microspacers positioned between the first and second optical substrates to maintain a gap between them. The microspacers can have layers of cured resin material formed by a 3D printing process, preferably such that each layer is cured from a single drop of the resin material. Such a gap-enhancing technique provides a compact and lightweight stacked optical assembly; however, it is complex and expensive.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing an optical arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, which provides a simple and effective technique for manufacturing a stack of optical components, preferably a waveguide and a lens, with a controlled air gap between them.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding optical arrangement and a head-mounted display comprising the corresponding optical arrangement.

[0010] According to the invention, a method for manufacturing an optical arrangement is provided, wherein the optical arrangement to be manufactured comprises a first optical component and a second optical component in a stacked arrangement with an air gap area between mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical component, wherein the method comprises: Providing the first and second optical components; Creating a dam-shaped barrier in a circumferential region of a surface of the first optical component, at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component;

[0011] Applying an adhesive to the surface of the first optical component in the circumferential area outside the generated barrier;

[0012] Joining the first and second optical components together in a stacked arrangement by applying a joining force to the stacked arrangement, such that the adhesive and the barrier come into contact with the facing surfaces of the first and second optical components; and

[0013] Curing of the adhesive to bond the first and second optical components together, with the air gap area positioned within the barrier.

[0014] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​creating a dam-shaped barrier in a circumferential region of a surface of one of the first and second optical components. The barrier is advantageous, at least insofar as it helps or even ensures that the adhesive used for bonding the optical components to one another does not enter the air gap region within the barrier. Thus, the barrier facilitates the controlled application of the adhesive for bonding because, once the barrier has been created, the adhesive used for bonding the first and second optical components to one another is applied in the circumferential region outside the created barrier. Therefore, it is a function of the dam-shaped barrier to limit the area of ​​the adhesive and thus prevent the adhesive from being applied to or escaping into the air gap region within the barrier.Another advantage of the dam-shaped barrier is that it can also define the height of the air gap between the facing surfaces of the optical components. While the dam-shaped barrier acts as a separating agent to define the air gap, the adhesive ensures bonding and, optionally, complete sealing of the stacked assembly.

[0015] The barrier can have a height from the surface of the first optical component in the range of 0.01 to approximately 0.3 mm. The height of the barrier can be approximately 0.2 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm, most preferably 0.05 mm.

[0016] The advantages of the present invention lie in a simple and effective technological process for realizing an air gap region in an optical arrangement with a stacked structure by creating the dam-like barrier between the facing surfaces of the first and second optical components. The method according to the invention does not require any prefabricated elements, such as a mask, that need to be applied between the stacked optical components and removed after the adhesive has hardened and the components have bonded to one another.

[0017] The term "hardening" is used here synonymously with "becoming hard".

[0018] One of the first and second optical components is preferably a waveguide, and the other of the first and second optical components is a lens with or without optical effect, e.g. a prescription lens (Rx lens).

[0019] The dam-shaped barrier can be created by a variety of techniques and can have a variety of configurations, in particular according to embodiments as specified in the dependent claims and described here.

[0020] In one embodiment, the barrier can be generated in a closed loop configuration along the circumference of the first optical component. In the closed loop configuration, the dam-shaped barrier has the form of a closed ring without any openings.

[0021] In another embodiment, the joining force required to connect the first and second optical components in the stacked arrangement corresponds to gravity. In this embodiment, only gravity is needed to join the first and second optical components; for example, joining occurs naturally when the components are in contact for a certain period of time without applying any additional force, thus enabling simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing.

[0022] In another embodiment, the barrier can be generated in an open loop configuration with at least one opening along the circumferential length of the first optical component. In this embodiment, the dam-shaped barrier has the form of a ring that is open at one or more points along its length.

[0023] Both of the aforementioned embodiments with closed and open loop configurations of the barrier have advantages. The closed loop configuration is advantageous because the function of limiting the adhesive from the air gap area is achieved without further measures. The open loop configuration is advantageous when one of the optical components is an optical waveguide that has a section extending beyond the perimeter of the other optical component, as will be described below.

[0024] In another embodiment, the barrier is created in such a way that it is compressible when, during joining, the joining force is applied to the stacked arrangement of the first and second optical components.

[0025] The advantage of this embodiment is that it simplifies the application of the adhesive for bonding because the dam-shaped barrier can be created with a height above the surface of the first optical component that is greater than the height of the adhesive to be applied after the barrier has been created. It can be difficult to apply the adhesive precisely at the height of the dam-shaped barrier or even slightly higher with a small meniscus. In this embodiment, therefore, the adhesive for bonding the optical components to each other can be applied at a height lower than the height of the created barrier, thus reducing the risk of the adhesive penetrating over the barrier and into the air gap.Due to the compressibility of the barrier under the applied joining forces when joining the optical components together, the surfaces of the first and second optical components can be brought into contact with the adhesive in order to properly bond the first and second optical components together.

[0026] In another embodiment, the creation of the barrier involves applying a curable material, e.g. in liquid form, to the surface of the first optical component and curing this material to form the barrier.

[0027] This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the dam-shaped barrier can be created by the same technological process used to apply and / or cure the adhesive for bonding the first and second optical components together. In this embodiment, the adhesive material can be applied to the surface of the first optical component in at least two stages, wherein the adhesive applied in the first stage is cured to create the dam-shaped barrier, and the adhesive applied in the second stage is used to bond the optical components in a stacked arrangement.

[0028] Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the barrier is produced from the same material as the adhesive used to bond the first and second optical components together, or it is produced from a material different from the adhesive used to bond the first and second optical components together, wherein the different material may have the same or a different viscosity compared to the viscosity of the adhesive used to bond the first and second optical components together. Preferably, the different material has a viscosity that is higher than the viscosity of the adhesive used to bond the first and second optical components together.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the barrier is produced from two or more different materials, of which a first material is applied to form a lower part of the barrier, and of which at least a second material is applied to form an upper part of the barrier, wherein preferably the first material, after curing, has a viscosity or hardness that is higher than that of the second material, or has an elasticity that is lower than that of the second material.

[0030] In this embodiment, the dam-shaped barrier can have a lower part or layer made of a material with higher viscosity or hardness, for example, an adhesive material with higher viscosity or hardness, to form a non-compressible part of the barrier, and an upper part or layer made of a material with lower viscosity or hardness, which can also be an adhesive material, to form a compressible part of the barrier. Numerous other implementations of the barrier, made from different materials, are equally possible.

[0031] For example, an adhesive material for creating the barrier can be applied to the surface of the first optical component by known means and methods and then cured or hardened to create the barrier with the required height and shape. It is understood that the barrier material is not limited to an adhesive material, and the barrier can be made from any other material that possesses or provides the required properties, such as rubber or a polymer.

[0032] Preferably, the barrier material(s) is in liquid form for application to the surface of the first optical component by the same or a similar technological process as that used for applying the adhesive for bonding the components together. Preferably, both materials, i.e., the barrier material and the adhesive material for bonding the components together, are curable with ultraviolet (UV) light, i.e., light with wavelengths shorter than visible light, and most preferably with UV light of the same or similar wavelength to further simplify the process and reduce its time and cost.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the barrier is a first barrier, and the method further comprises generating a second barrier in the circumferential region of the surface of the first optical component at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component, wherein the second barrier is generated outside the first barrier and spaced apart from the first barrier, and wherein the method further comprises applying the adhesive in a space between the first and second barrier.

[0034] This embodiment is advantageous because the area for applying the adhesive to bond the first and second components to each other is even better defined by the space between the two barriers. Thus, the adhesive for bonding the first and second optical components is even more precisely confined, and the application of the adhesive for bonding is further facilitated.

[0035] The second barrier can be generated in a closed loop configuration or in an open loop configuration with at least one opening along the circumference of the first optical component. Likewise, the first barrier can be generated in a closed loop configuration while the second barrier is generated in an open loop configuration, or vice versa; or both barriers can be generated in a closed loop configuration, or both barriers can be generated in an open loop configuration.

[0036] In particular, one or more openings in the second, i.e., outer, dam-shaped barrier have the advantage that any excess adhesive used to bond the optical components to each other can be drained away through the opening(s) of the second barrier and cannot pass over the first barrier into the air gap area.

[0037] In another embodiment, the second barrier can be created in such a way that it is compressible when, during joining, the joining force is applied to the stacked arrangement of the first and second optical components.

[0038] As in the corresponding embodiment, in which the first barrier is preferably produced in such a way that it is compressible, this embodiment also has the advantage of allowing better control of the adhesive application in the space between the first and second barriers, in order to ensure that no adhesive enters the air gap. A further advantage is that the compressibility of both the second and first barriers ensures that the facing surfaces of the optical components come into proper contact with the adhesive for bonding when the joining force is applied, thus achieving a proper seal and adequate protection of the air gap.

[0039] In another embodiment, the second barrier is created with a height from the surface of the first optical component that is greater than the height of the first barrier.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second barrier can advantageously serve as an alignment structure for precise alignment of the second optical component with respect to the first optical component when the optical components are joined together.

[0041] In this context, it is still preferred if the second barrier is created with an inner contour that matches an outer contour of the second optical component.

[0042] The second barrier can thus advantageously be used not only to confine the adhesive arrangement for bonding the components together, but also as a seat within the contour of the second dam-shaped barrier for receiving and aligning the second optical component relative to the first optical component. In other words, the inner contour of the second barrier, with higher walls than those of the first barrier, can effectively define a mounting space for the second optical component, so that simply placing the second optical component in this space allows for precise alignment of the second optical component relative to the first optical component in the stacked structure.

[0043] In another embodiment, the method further includes the removal of the second barrier after the adhesive has cured in order to bond the first and second optical components together.

[0044] It is advantageous that the optical arrangement can be manufactured with a slim design. The second barrier can be removed by any suitable means, such as mechanical cutting.

[0045] In a further embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the second barrier be made of a peelable material, especially a peelable adhesive. Here, it is advantageous that the second barrier can be easily removed by peeling.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the adhesive applied in the circumferential region outside the barrier or between the first and second barriers comprises a peelable material, such that the adhesive arrangement bonding the first and second optical components can be destroyed, for example, by peeling. This embodiment allows the optical arrangement to be disassembled after its manufacture without damaging the first and second optical components, for example, to replace one of the first and second optical components with a new one. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the first barrier comprises a peelable material, such as a peelable adhesive, for example, the same peelable adhesive used in the second barrier and / or the adhesive arrangement between the barriers.In this case, each of the first and second barriers and the adhesive arrangement between them can be destroyed after the optical arrangement has been manufactured according to the present invention, e.g., by peeling. This allows for complete disassembly of the optical arrangement after its manufacture without damaging the first and second optical components, e.g., to replace one of the first and second optical components with a new one.

[0047] In one embodiment, one of the first and second optical components is a waveguide, wherein a waveguide region of the waveguide (i.e., its region used to guide light) extends from the air gap region beyond the barrier, the barrier being formed with an opening in a region of overlap with the waveguide region.

[0048] This embodiment is an example of an open-loop barrier configuration. When two barriers are generated as described above, preferably the first barrier and the second barrier are each generated with an opening in the area of ​​overlap with the wave-guiding region.

[0049] The opening of the barrier(s) serves to maintain total internal reflection conditions as far as possible in the overlap region of the barrier(s) with the waveguide area of ​​the waveguide. The barrier material may have a refractive index that is too high to maintain total internal reflection conditions. Therefore, it is preferred that the barrier is "interrupted" in the region where the optically used area of ​​the waveguide crosses the barrier.

[0050] The barrier, especially the first barrier, can be created with curved edges at the opening to seal the wave-guiding area against the adhesive used to bond the first and second optical components together.

[0051] In this context, the opening in the first and / or second barrier can be closed with an insert that has a material with a low refractive index or high reflectivity compared to those of the wave-guiding area.

[0052] Here it is advantageous that the air gap area can be sufficiently sealed by the insert, while the insert has a material, at least in its part that touches the surface of the optical waveguide, that has a refractive index that is low enough, or a reflectivity that is high enough, to maintain the total reflection conditions in the waveguide as far as possible.

[0053] Alternatively, the opening in the first and / or second barrier can be left open instead of closing it with an insert as described above, thus maintaining the conditions for total reflection without further measures.

[0054] In another embodiment, it is also possible that the barrier as such is produced in an area of ​​overlap with the wave-guiding area, at least on one base of the barrier, with a material that has a low refractive index or a high reflectivity, or with an insert that has a material with a low refractive index or a high reflectivity compared to those of the wave-guiding area.

[0055] In this embodiment, the barrier, in particular the first and / or the second barrier, can be generated in a closed loop configuration without the need to be generated with an opening in the overlap area with the wave-guiding area, since the bottom of the barrier(s) is made of a material with a low refractive index or a high reflectivity, so that the total reflection conditions in the overlap area with the wave-guiding area are maintained as far as possible.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the method can further include, prior to generating the barrier, applying a mask to the surface of the first optical component, wherein the mask has one or more linear openings that define the shape of the barrier to be generated, and wherein the method further includes applying a material into the one or more openings to generate the barrier.

[0057] In this embodiment, a mask is applied to the surface of the first optical component, the mask having one or more openings (also referred to as cutouts) that define the shape of the barrier or barriers. The openings can have a linear shape and / or a series of line segments. The dam-shaped barrier or barriers are created by applying a barrier material, such as an adhesive, into the openings of the mask. An optional process step allows the excess barrier material to be removed, for example, by wiping the mask with a squeegee, to further improve and ensure repeatability of the barrier height accuracy. After the barrier(s) have hardened, but before the optical components are bonded together, the mask can be easily removed.The use of the mask, as described, allows for the creation of the barrier(s) with a controlled and precise shape. The height and shape of each barrier in plan view are defined by the corresponding openings in the mask. Depending on the properties of the barrier material, the shape and dimensions of the mask are easier to control than those of the barrier material itself when applied to the surface of the first optical component without a mask, especially when the barrier to be created has a high aspect ratio as its geometric structure. The mask is removed from the surface of the first optical component before the application of the adhesive for bonding the optical components together, particularly without breakage or significant deformation, so that the mask can be reused.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an optical arrangement is provided, comprising a first optical component and a second optical component in a stacked arrangement with an air gap region between mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical components, further comprising a dam-shaped barrier in a circumferential region of the mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical components at least partially along a circumferential length of the first and second optical components, and a bonding region in the circumferential region outside the barrier in which the first and second optical components are bonded to one another by means of an adhesive, wherein the barrier is in contact with the mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical components and surrounds the air gap region.

[0059] Preferably, the optical arrangement according to the invention is produced by the method according to the invention.

[0060] In one embodiment, the barrier of the optical arrangement is formed from a curable material that is applied to the surface of the first optical component in a closed loop configuration, or in an open loop configuration with at least one opening along the circumferential length of the barrier.

[0061] In a further embodiment, one of the first and second optical components of the optical arrangement is a waveguide, wherein a waveguide region of the waveguide extends from the air gap region beyond the barrier, wherein the barrier in a region of its overlap with the waveguide region has at least on one base of the barrier a material having a high reflectivity or a low refractive index compared to those of the waveguide region, or an opening that receives an insert having a material having a low refractive index or a high reflectivity compared to those of the waveguide region.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the barrier is a first barrier, and the optical arrangement further comprises a second barrier in the circumferential region of the surface of the first optical component, at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component, wherein the second barrier is arranged outside the first barrier and spaced apart from the first barrier, and the bonding area with the adhesive corresponds to a space between the first and second barriers. The second barrier can have a closed loop configuration or an open loop configuration with at least one opening along the circumferential length of the first optical component.

[0063] In another embodiment, the second barrier has a height from the surface of the first optical component that is greater than the height of the first barrier, and / or has an inner contour that coincides with an outer contour of the second optical component.

[0064] Experts will recognize that the optical arrangement according to the invention can have corresponding embodiments and offer the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

[0065] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a head-mounted display is provided which incorporates the optical arrangement according to the invention, in particular the one produced by the method according to the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the head-mounted display according to the invention can have corresponding embodiments and offer the same advantages as the method according to the invention.

[0066] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 schematically a cross-section of an optical arrangement in an intermediate stage of manufacturing the optical arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 schematically a cross-section of an optical arrangement in an intermediate stage of manufacturing the optical arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 schematically a cross-section of an optical arrangement in an intermediate stage of manufacturing the optical arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically a partially perspective view of an optical arrangement in an intermediate stage of manufacturing the optical arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 schematically a partially perspective view of an optical arrangement in an intermediate stage of manufacturing the optical arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 schematically a top view of a surface of a first optical component of an optical arrangement with an adhesive applied in a space between two dam-shaped barriers, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 schematically an example of a mask used to create two dam-shaped barriers in a method for producing an optical arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 schematically a planar view of a first optical component of an optical arrangement with two open-loop barriers and an insert in an area of ​​overlap of the barriers with a wave-guiding area according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 a planar view of a first optical component of an optical arrangement with two open-loop barriers and an insert of different shape in an area of ​​overlap of the barriers with a wave-guiding area according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 10 a planar view of a first optical component of an optical arrangement with two open-loop barriers, one of which has curved edges to seal the adhesive against a wave-conducting area, according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-section of an optical arrangement designated by the general reference numeral 10, according to an embodiment of one aspect of the invention. The optical arrangement 10 comprises a first optical component 12 and a second optical component 14. In a method for manufacturing the optical arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of a further aspect of the invention, the first optical component 12 and the second optical component 14 are bonded together in a stacked arrangement with an air gap 16 of longitudinal dimension L between the facing surfaces 18 and 20 of the first optical component 12 and the second optical component 14. Fig. Figure 1 shows the optical components 12 and 14 separated from each other, i.e. before they are joined and bonded.

[0069] The first and second optical components 12 and 14 can be of any type. The first optical component 12 can be an optical waveguide, and the second optical component 14 can be a lens, e.g., an Rx lens. It is understood, however, that the first optical component 12 can be a lens, e.g., an Rx lens, and the second optical component 14 can be a waveguide. It is also possible that the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are both waveguides or both lenses, etc. For the sake of simplicity in the following description and without limiting the scope of the invention, the first optical component 12 is referred to as an optical waveguide in some embodiments, and the second optical component 14 is referred to as a lens in some embodiments.

[0070] The surface 18 of the first optical component 12 can be planar. The surface 20 of the second optical component 14 can also be planar, without limiting the invention to planar surfaces of the first and second optical components 12, 14, since the surfaces can have different shapes, for example, convex and / or concave surfaces. Non-planar surfaces 18, 20 may be intended to provide the first optical component 12 and / or the second optical component 14 with an optical strength. In the case that one of the first and second optical components 12, 14 is an optical waveguide, opposing surfaces of the optical waveguide, which is designed to guide light by total internal reflection, can be partially or completely planar or non-planar.The present invention is equally applicable and provides the same advantages in cases where at least one of the first and second optical components 12, 14 is a planar waveguide or a curved waveguide.

[0071] Next, a method for manufacturing the optical arrangement 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is described. First, the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are provided as separate parts.

[0072] A dam-shaped barrier 22 is generated in a circumferential region of the surface 18 of the first optical component 12, at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component 12.

[0073] The dam-shaped barrier 22 can be configured as a closed or open loop on the surface 18 of the first optical component 12. Examples of closed and open loop configurations of the barrier 22 are described in more detail below. In general, the barrier 22 has a line-like shape.

[0074] The air gap region 16 is defined as a region within the barrier 22, i.e., it is surrounded by the barrier 22. The air gap region 16 has a height h. a on, which is defined by the height of barrier 22 when the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are bonded together. The height h a The thickness of barrier 22 can be approximately 0.2 mm, preferably approximately 0.1 mm, and most preferably 0.05 mm. The thickness of barrier 22 in a plane perpendicular to the height h a can be in the same or similar range as height h a lay.

[0075] After the barrier 22 has been created, an adhesive 24, used for bonding the optical components 12 and 14 together, is applied to the surface 18 of the first optical component 12 in the circumferential region outside the created barrier 22. The adhesive can be of a type known in the prior art for bonding optical components together. The adhesive 24 can be dispensed onto the surface 18 using an adhesive dispensing tool (not shown) as known in the prior art. The adhesive 24 is limited by the barrier 22 in the inward direction toward the air gap region, i.e., toward the central region of the optical component 12. After the adhesive 24 has been applied, the second optical component 14 is joined to the first optical component in a stacked arrangement.to form a stacked structure, a joining force (illustrated by arrow 26) is applied to the stacked arrangement such that the adhesive 24 and the barrier 22 come into contact with the facing surfaces 18 and 20 of the first and second optical components 12 and 14. When the first and second optical components 12, 14 are joined together, the barrier 22 acts as a separating agent to define the air gap region 16, while the adhesive 24 provides bonding and optionally complete sealing of the stacked structure. Due to the barrier 22, the adhesive 24 does not enter the air gap region 16.

[0076] When the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are joined, the adhesive 24 cures to bond them together. The area where the adhesive 24 bonds the optical components 12 and 14 is also called the bonding area.

[0077] Since it can be difficult to apply the adhesive 24 at precisely the correct level, such as the height of the barrier 22 or slightly higher with a small meniscus, it is preferred that the resulting barrier be compressible under the applied bonding force, as if made of a suitable material, and that the sealing effect to the air gap area 16 is ensured by the contact of the second optical component 14 with the barrier 22 with a certain compression of the barrier 22 before the second optical component 14 comes into contact with the adhesive 24. On the left side of Fig. Figure 1 shows barrier 22 in an uncompressed state before it is compressed, with a height greater than the required height h. a of the air gap region 16 to be formed when the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are bonded together. The height h aThe height of the air gap region 16, which defines the height, corresponds to the height of barrier 22 in the compressed state. Barrier 22 is shown on the left with a height reduced by an amount h. c is greater than the height h a When the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are joined together by applying the joining force (arrow 26), the barrier 22 is increased by the amount h. c compressed. On the right side in Fig. Figure 1 shows barrier 22 when compressed to its compressed state. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that barrier 22 is to be produced with a constant or substantially constant height along its length, and that the parts of barrier 22 on the left and right sides are in Fig. 1 are shown at different heights for illustrative purposes only, to demonstrate possible states of barrier 22 before and after compression.

[0078] Any excess of the adhesive 24, if present, can be removed from the perimeter of the stacking arrangement comprising the first and second optical components 12, 14 by any suitable means, such as peeling or trimming, to ensure a required shape of the stacked arrangement of the optical components 12, 14.

[0079] The dam-shaped barrier 22 can be made of any suitable material or materials, including the same adhesive material as the adhesive 24 used to bond the optical components 12, 14 together, or an adhesive material with the same, similar, or different viscosity compared to the adhesive 24. Preferably, the barrier material 22 has a higher viscosity than the adhesive 24.

[0080] It is also possible to construct the barrier 22 from two or more different materials. For example, the barrier 22 can have a portion, such as a layer, made of one material, while the remaining portion is made of another. For instance, the barrier 22 can have a lower portion or layer made of a high-viscosity adhesive to form a non-compressible part, and an upper portion or layer made of a lower-viscosity adhesive to form a compressible part. Numerous other implementations of the barrier 22 made from different materials are equally possible.

[0081] In one embodiment, the barrier 22 can be made of an adhesive material that is applied in liquid form to the surface 18 of the first optical component 12 and then cured or hardened by known means and techniques to produce the barrier 22 of the required height and shape. The material of the barrier 22 is not limited to an adhesive material. The barrier 22 can be made of any other material that has or provides the required properties, such as rubber or a polymer. However, it is preferred that the material of the barrier 22 be in liquid form that can be applied to the surface 18 by the same or a similar technological process as that used to apply the adhesive 24 to the surface 18 of the optical component 12, which is used to bond the optical components 12, 14 to one another.

[0082] If the barrier material 22 is applied to the surface 18 of the optical component 12 as a liquid curable material, it is preferred that the barrier material 22 and the adhesive 24, which is used to bond the optical components 12, 14 to each other, can be cured with UV light, and most preferably with UV light of the same or similar wavelength.

[0083] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a further embodiment of an optical arrangement according to the present invention, wherein such elements are identical, comparable or similar to elements in Fig. 1 are, with the same reference symbols as in Fig. 1 are provided. In this embodiment, a second dam-shaped barrier 28 is created in addition to the barrier 22, which is hereafter referred to as the first barrier, in the circumferential region of the surface 18 of the first optical component 12, at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component 12. The second barrier 28 is created outside the first barrier 22, i.e., further away from the center of the first optical component 12. Furthermore, the second barrier 28 is spaced apart from the first barrier 22 such that the adhesive 24, which is used to bond the optical components 12, 14 to each other, can be applied in a space between the first and second barriers 22, 28. Thus, the adhesive 24 is confined on both sides by the barriers 22 and 28.However, in this case it is also necessary to control the amount of adhesive 24 applied between the barriers 22, 28 quite well to ensure that no excess of the adhesive 24 enters the air gap area 16. Therefore, it is also preferred here to have a compressible barrier material at least in the first barrier 22, and preferably in the first and second barriers 22, 28, for a proper sealing effect and protection of the air gap area 16.

[0084] The second barrier 28 can have a closed loop or open loop configuration. The open loop configuration of the second barrier 28 is advantageous because it allows any excess adhesive 24, if present, to be drained from the space between the first and second barriers 22, 28 to an outside of the second barrier 28 through one or more openings in the second barrier 28, thus preventing the adhesive 24 from entering the air gap region 16.

[0085] Similar to the above with reference to Fig. In the embodiment described in Figure 1, it is preferred that both barriers 22, 28 are compressible under the applied joining force, as if made of a suitable material or materials. On the left side of Fig. Figure 2 shows barriers 22 and 28 in an uncompressed state before they are compressed, with a height greater than the required height h. a of the air gap region 16 to be formed when the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are bonded together. The height h a The height of the air gap region 16, which defines the height, corresponds to the height of the barriers 22, 28 in a compressed state. The barriers 22, 28 are shown on the left with a height reduced by an amount h. c is greater than the height h a When the first and second optical components 12 and 14 are joined together by applying the joining force (arrow 26), the barriers 22, 28 are moved by the amount h c compressed. On the right side in Fig. Figure 2 shows barriers 22 and 28 when compressed to the compressed state. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that each of the barriers 22 and 28 is to be generated with a constant or substantially constant height along its length, and that the portions of the barriers 22 and 28 on the left and right sides are in Fig. 2 are shown at different heights for illustrative purposes only, to demonstrate possible states of barriers 22, 28 before and after compression.

[0086] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows another embodiment of the optical arrangement 10, which is a modification of the embodiment in Fig. 2 is. Elements of the optical arrangement 10 in Fig. 3, which are identical, comparable or similar to elements in the embodiment in Fig. 2 are, are with the same reference symbols as in Fig. 2 provided. In the embodiment of Fig. 3. The second barrier 28 is formed with a height above the surface 18 of the first optical component 12 that is greater than the height of the first barrier 22. Furthermore, the second barrier 28 is provided with an inner contour that corresponds to an outer shape of the second optical component 14. Thus, the second barrier 28 can advantageously be used not only to confine the adhesive 24, but also as an alignment means for precisely aligning the second optical component 14 in the planar view within the contour of the second barrier 28. In other words, the second barrier 28 can be configured to define a seat S for fitting the second optical component 14, which improves and simplifies the alignment of the second optical component 14, e.g., a lens, with the first optical component 12, e.g., an optical waveguide, thereby simplifying the assembly procedure.After stacking and bonding, and optionally sealing, the stacked structure comprising the first and second optical components 12, 14 with the adhesive 24, the second barrier 28 can be removed by any suitable means to create a slim design for the stacked structure of the optical arrangement 10, such as by mechanical cutting. It is preferred that the second barrier 28 be made of a peelable material, such as a peelable adhesive, to facilitate its removal by peeling.

[0087] Each of the barriers 22, 28 can be compressible under the applied joining force, as if made of a suitable material or materials. However, in the given embodiment, it is preferred that the first barrier 22 is compressible under the applied joining force, similar to the one described above with reference to Fig. 1 described embodiment.

[0088] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows further embodiments of the optical arrangement 10 according to the present invention. Elements of the optical arrangements 10 in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, which are identical, comparable or similar to elements in the preceding embodiments, are provided with the same reference numerals as in the preceding embodiments.

[0089] In an application of the optical arrangement 10 in head-mounted displays, e.g., smart glasses, etc., it is common for the optical arrangement to include an optical waveguide with an input coupling structure and an output coupling structure, as is known to those skilled in the art. The input coupling structure is configured to couple image light, e.g., from a display, into the optical waveguide. The image light coupled into the waveguide propagates to the surroundings, e.g., air, by total internal reflection at the waveguide interfaces. The output coupling structure is configured to couple the light propagated in the optical waveguide out of the waveguide towards an eye box in order to project the image to the user's eye or eyes. The region of the waveguide in which the image light is guided from the input coupling structure to the output coupling structure can be referred to as the waveguide region.Experts will likely recognize that the remaining part of the waveguide, i.e., a non-wave-conducting part of the waveguide, may have essentially the same structure as the wave-conducting region; however, for the proper operation of the optical arrangement 10 in devices such as data glasses and head-mounted displays, it is not critical that the non-wave-conducting part of the waveguide be optically isolated from its surroundings, so that the non-conducting part may or may not have an air gap around it.

[0090] As well as Fig. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the optical arrangement of the present invention in a semi-assembled state, when the joining of the first and second optical components 12 and 14 is underway. In these exemplary embodiments, the second optical component 14 is a lens, such as a prescription lens, having an optical power in accordance with an eye prescription, and the first optical component 12 is an optical waveguide having an input coupling structure 30 and an output coupling structure 32. As in each of the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a dam-shaped first and second barrier 22, 28 is present in a circumferential region of a surface of the waveguide 12, and the adhesive 24 is located in a space between the first and second barrier 22, 28. In the embodiment of Fig. 4. The air gap area 16 within an inner contour of the first barrier 22 encloses the coupling structure 30 and the coupling structure 32. In the embodiment of Fig. In 5, only the output coupling structure 32 is arranged within the air gap area 16 and within the contour of the first barrier 22, while the input coupling structure 30 is arranged outside the air gap area 16 and more precisely outside an outer contour of the second barrier 28. The method for manufacturing an optical arrangement according to the invention, as described above, applies to both embodiments of Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 applicable and creates all the described advantages in these two embodiments as well as in any other configuration of an optical waveguide designed to be stacked with a lens or other optical element.

[0091] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which a first optical component 12 is ready to be joined with a second optical component (not shown for the sake of simplicity) to form an optical arrangement 10, namely: the dam-shaped first and second barriers 22, 28 are created in a circumferential region of a surface of the first optical component 12, and the adhesive 24 is applied in a space between the first and second barriers 22, 28. Elements of the embodiment in Fig. 6, which are identical, comparable, or similar to elements in the previous embodiments, are provided with the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments. In the embodiment of Fig. 6 The second barrier 28 is formed as an open-loop barrier with at least one, here a plurality, of openings 34. The openings 34 form outlets for the discharge of excess adhesive 24 before the adhesive 24 cures or hardens, particularly during the joining of the first and second optical components in a stacked arrangement by applying a joining force to one another, when the adhesive 24 and the barriers 22, 28 come into contact with adjacent, mutually facing surfaces of the first and second optical components. This ensures that any excess adhesive 24 can escape through the openings 34 of the second barrier 28 and cannot enter the air gap region 16 through the first barrier 22.

[0092] Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows a mask 40 which, in an embodiment of the method according to the invention, can be applied to generate the first barrier 22 and / or the second barrier 28. The mask 40 is applied to the surface 18 of the first optical component 12 before the barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28 are generated in order to define the shape of the barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28. The mask 40 can be configured to define a pattern for the barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28 by having one or more openings or cutouts 42, 44, which, for example, have a linear shape and / or are configured as a series of openings. The openings or cutouts 42, 44 essentially have the shape of the barrier 22 to be produced and / or the second barrier 28, i.e., inner shapes of the openings or cutouts 42, 44 correspond to outer shapes of the first barrier 22 and / or the second barrier 28.This allows barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28 to be created by applying a barrier material, such as an adhesive, into the openings 42, 44 of the mask 40. An optional process step allows excess barrier material to be removed by wiping the mask 40 with a squeegee to further improve and increase the repeatability of the barrier height. After barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28 have been created (e.g., by curing the barrier material), but before bonding the optical components 12, 14 together in a stacked structure, the mask 40 can be easily removed. Using the mask 40 as described enables the creation of barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28 with a controlled and precise shape.The height and shape of each barrier 22 and / or 28 in the planar view are defined by the corresponding openings or cutouts 42, 44 in the mask 40. Depending on the properties of the barrier material, the shape and dimensions of the barrier material are easier to control when the mask is used than when the barrier material is applied to the surface 18 of the optical component 12 without using the mask, particularly in the case of a large aspect ratio of the barrier to be created as a geometric structure. In this embodiment, the mask 40 can be removed from the surface 18 without breaking or significant deformation and thus reused.

[0093] Further embodiments of optical arrangements 10 according to the present invention are described below with reference to Fig. Described in sections 8-10. Fig. 8-10 are elements of the optical arrangements that are identical, comparable, or similar to elements of the previously described embodiments and are provided with the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments. In particular, the embodiments of Fig. 8-10 preferred further developments of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5. Reference is also made to the above description regarding Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Referenced.

[0094] In each of the Fig. Figures 8-10 show only the first optical component 12 of the optical arrangement 10, while the second optical component 14 is omitted for simplicity. In each of the illustrated embodiments, the first optical component 12 is an optical waveguide with an input coupling structure 30 and an output coupling structure 32. Correspondingly, as mentioned above, the second optical component can be a lens, such as a prescription lens with an optical power in accordance with an eye prescription. In each case, the dam-shaped first and second barriers 22, 28 are formed in a circumferential region of a surface of the waveguide 12, and the adhesive 24 is applied in a space between the first and second barriers 22, 28. In each of the illustrated embodiments, Fig. 8-10 the coupling structure 30 outside the air gap area 16 similar to the one above with reference to Fig. The embodiment described in Section 5 is arranged as follows. The output coupling structure 32, in turn, is arranged within the air gap region 16. In this case, a wave-guiding region 52 of the optical waveguide extends from the input coupling structure 30 to the output coupling structure 32 through an overlap region 50, in which the wave-guiding region 52 would pass under the contours of the barriers 22, 28 and the adhesive 24 if these had a closed loop configuration. As described above, it is necessary to provide, as far as possible, the conditions for total internal reflection for a guided image light throughout the entire wave-guiding region 52 of the waveguide 12.Unfortunately, most conventional adhesive materials or other materials that can advantageously be used to create barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28, and the adhesive 24 for bonding the optical components 12, 14 to one another, have a higher refractive index and / or lower reflectivity, which would violate the conditions of total internal reflection in the region of their overlap with the waveguide region 52, i.e., in the overlap region 50. Therefore, it may be desirable to create the first barrier 22 and / or the second barrier 28, at least in the overlap region 50, with a material, part, or insert that has or provides certain optical properties, such as a low refractive index or high reflectivity in the region 50 of the overlap with the waveguide region 52 compared to the refractive index and reflectivity of the waveguide region 52 itself.In one embodiment, the barrier 22 or the barriers 22, 28 in the area 50 of an overlap with the waveguide can be produced at least on one base of the barrier 22 or the barriers 22, 28 with a material that has a low refractive index or a high reflectivity, or with an insert 54 that has a material with a low refractive index or a high reflectivity compared to those of the waveguide area 52.

[0095] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the barriers 22, 28 (and likewise the adhesive arrangement 24) can be fitted with an insert or part 54 in the overlap area 50, e.g. as in Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that the first and / or second barrier 22, 28 may have one or more parts or inserts 54 made of different material(s) in the overlap area 50 compared to the material(s) of the remaining sections of the barriers 22, 28, wherein the different material(s) have a desired low refractive index or high reflectivity. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The insert 54 is shown for illustrative purposes only as a separate element with a shape different from the shapes of the barriers 20, 28, without implying any limitations to the scope of the invention. In further embodiments, such parts or inserts 54 made of different material or materials can be arranged only in a lower part of the barrier 22 or the barriers 22, 28, which, for example, constitute a lower layer of the barrier 22 or the barriers 22, 28 in the overlap region 50 of their overlap with the wave-guiding region 52. The aforementioned lower layer can comprise a very thin layer of a low-index material or a highly reflective coating. In one embodiment, such a highly reflective coating or layer of low-index material can be applied to the surface of the first optical component 12 (e.g.,of the optical waveguide) can be applied by well-known vacuum deposition processes (CVD or PVD), however, any other application techniques can be used within the scope of the invention.

[0096] In another embodiment, the first barrier 22 and / or the second barrier 28 can be manufactured as open-loop barriers with an opening 53 in the overlap area 50, so that an air gap is also provided there to ensure total reflection within the waveguide in this area, as e.g. in Fig. Figures 8-10 illustrate the opening 53 in barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28 in the overlap area 50, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the opening remains unsealed. In other embodiments, an insert 54 made of a different material, such as a material with a low refractive index or high reflectivity, can be provided to seal the opening in the first barrier 22 and / or the second barrier 28, as shown in Figure 10. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown, to close and / or seal.

[0097] The described embodiments are not limited by any shape, material, and / or application technique of the insert(s) 54 that can be used in the overlap area 50, i.e., in the overlap of the barrier 22 or barriers 22, 28, and the adhesive 24 with the wave-conducting area 52. For example, the insert 54 can have a shape in planar view such that it comes into contact with the opening 53 in the first barrier 22, the adhesive 24, and the second barrier 28 and effectively seals them, as shown in Fig. 9 shown. Preferably, the insert 54 can be produced by applying a suitable material in the area of ​​the opening 53 in the first and second barrier 22, 28 and in the adhesive 24, after the first and / or second barrier 22, 28 has been produced, and / or after or before the application of the adhesive 24 between the barriers 22, 28.

[0098] Alternatively or additionally to the above, the first barrier 22 and / or the second barrier 28, in order to seal the opening 53 and thereby seal the wave-conducting area 52 in the overlap area 50 against any adhesive leakage, can be manufactured from a specific shape to close the space between the barriers 22, 28 in the overlap area 50 against the adhesive 24, e.g. as in Fig. 10 is illustrated. This can be done, as shown in Fig. Figure 10 shows the first barrier 22 having edges 55 in the area of ​​the opening 53, which are curved and connected to the second barrier 28, thereby sealing the opening 53 against the adhesive 24. The embodiment of Fig. 10 and the exemplary embodiments of Fig. 8-9 can also be advantageously used in combination with each other.

[0099] The inventive method described with reference to all the above embodiments provides a significant improvement and advantages in the fabrication of optical stacked structures with embedded air gaps compared to prior art technologies. Optical arrangements in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, which can be fabricated by the described method, implement this improvement and provide essentially the same advantages as the described method. A head-worn display, such as smart glasses or data glasses, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, which incorporates such an optical arrangement, for example, one fabricated by the described method, also implements the improvement and provides essentially the same advantages. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2024 / 008593 A1

[0005] US 11 243 398 B2

[0006] US 20240142694 A1

[0007]

Claims

[1] Method for manufacturing an optical arrangement (10), wherein the optical arrangement (10) to be manufactured comprises a first optical component (12) and a second optical component (14) in a stacked arrangement with an air gap region (16) between mutually facing surfaces (18, 20) of the first and second optical component (12, 14), wherein the method comprises: Providing the first and second optical components (12, 14); Creating a dam-shaped barrier (22; 22, 28) in a circumferential region of a surface (18) of the first optical component (12) at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component (12); Applying an adhesive (24) to the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) in the circumferential area outside the generated barrier (22; 22, 28); Joining the first and second optical components (12, 14) in a stacked arrangement by applying a joining force to the stacked arrangement, such that the adhesive (24) and the barrier (22; 22, 28) come into contact with the mutually facing surfaces (18, 20) of the first and second optical components (12, 14); and Curing of the adhesive (24) to bond the first and second optical components (12, 14) to each other, wherein the air gap area (16) is arranged inside the barrier (22; 22, 28). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the barrier (22) is generated in a closed loop configuration, or in an open loop configuration with at least one opening along the circumferential length of the barrier (22; 22, 28). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joining force corresponds to the force of gravity. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is produced such that it is compressible when, during joining, the joining force is applied to the stacked arrangement of the first and second optical components (12, 14). [5] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the creation of the barrier (22; 22, 28) comprises applying a curable material to the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) and curing this material to form the barrier (22; 22, 28). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is produced from the same material as the adhesive (24) for bonding the first and second optical components (12, 14) to each other, or is produced from a material different from the adhesive (24) for bonding the first and second optical components (12, 14) to each other, wherein the different material has the same or a different viscosity compared to the viscosity of the adhesive (24) for bonding the first and second optical components (12, 14) to each other, preferably wherein the different material has a viscosity that is higher than the viscosity of the adhesive (24) for bonding the first and second optical components (12, 14) to each other. [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is produced from two or more different materials, of which a first material is applied to form a lower part of the barrier (22; 22, 28) and of which at least a second material is applied to form an upper part of the barrier (22; 22, 28), wherein the first and second materials have different viscosity or hardness at least after curing. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the first material, after curing, has a viscosity or hardness that is higher than that of the second material, or has an elasticity that is lower than that of the second material. [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is a first barrier (22), and the method further comprises generating a second barrier (28) in the circumferential region of the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component (12), wherein the second barrier (28) is generated outside the first barrier (22) and spaced apart from the first barrier (22), and applying the adhesive (24) in a space between the first and second barrier (22, 28). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the second barrier (28) is generated in a closed loop configuration, or in an open loop configuration with at least one opening (34) along the circumferential length of the first optical component (12). [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second barrier (28) is produced such that it is compressible when, during joining, the joining force is applied to the stacked arrangement of the first and second optical components (12, 14). [12] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second barrier (28) is generated with a height from the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) that is greater than the height of the first barrier (22). [13] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the second barrier (28) is produced with an inner contour that matches an outer contour of the second optical component (14). [14] Method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising removing the second barrier (28) after the adhesive (24) has cured in order to bond the first and second optical components (12, 14) to each other. [15] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the adhesive (24) and / or the barrier (22; 22, 28) comprises a material that is peelable, like a peelable adhesive. [16] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein one of the first and second optical components (12, 14) is a waveguide, wherein a waveguide region (52) of the waveguide extends from the air gap region (16) beyond the barrier (22; 22, 28), wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is generated with an opening (53) in a region (50) of its overlap with the waveguide region (52). [17] Method according to claim 16, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is created with curved edges (55) at the opening (53) to seal the wave-conducting area (52) against the adhesive (24). [18] Method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising closing the opening (53) with an insert (54) having a material with a low refractive index or high reflectivity compared to those of the wave-guiding area (52). [19] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein one of the first and second optical components (12, 14) is a waveguide, wherein a waveguide region (52) of the waveguide extends from the air gap region (16) beyond the barrier (22; 22, 28), wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is produced in a region (50) of its overlap with the waveguide region (52) at least at one base of the barrier (22; 22, 28) with a material having a high reflectivity or a low refractive index compared to those of the waveguide region (52), or with an insert (54) having a material having a low refractive index or a high reflectivity compared to those of the waveguide region (52). [20] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising, prior to generating the barrier (22; 22, 28), applying a mask (40) to the surface (18) of the first optical component (12), wherein the mask (40) has one or more linear openings (42, 44) that define the shape of the barrier (22; 22, 28) to be generated, and applying a material into the one or more openings to generate the barrier (22; 22, 28). [21] Optical arrangement, comprising a first optical component (12) and a second optical component (14) in a stacked arrangement with an air gap region (16) between mutually facing surfaces (18, 20) of the first and second optical components (12, 14), further comprising a dam-shaped barrier (22; 22, 28) in a circumferential region of the mutually facing surfaces (18, 20) of the first and second optical components (12, 14) at least partially along a circumferential length of the first and second optical components (12, 14), and a bonding region in the circumferential region outside the barrier (22; 22, 28) in which the first and second optical components (12, 14) are bonded to one another by means of an adhesive (24), wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is connected to the mutually facing surfaces (18, 20) of the first and second optical components (12, 14) in contact is and surrounds the air gap area (16). [22] Optical arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is formed from a curable material applied to the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) in a closed loop configuration, or in an open loop configuration having at least one opening along the circumferential length of the barrier (22; 22, 28). [23] Optical arrangement according to claim 21 or 22, wherein one of the first and second optical components (12, 14) is a waveguide, wherein a waveguide region (52) of the waveguide extends from the air gap region (16) beyond the barrier (22; 22, 28), wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) in a region (50) of its overlap with the waveguide region (52) has at least on one base of the barrier (22; 22, 28) a material having a high reflectivity or a low refractive index compared with those of the waveguide region (52), or an opening (53) which receives an insert (54) having a material having a low refractive index or a high reflectivity compared with those of the waveguide region (52). [24] Optical arrangement according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the barrier (22; 22, 28) is a first barrier (22), and the optical arrangement further comprises a second barrier (28) in the circumferential region of the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) at least partially along a circumferential length of the first optical component (12), wherein the second barrier (28) is arranged outside the first barrier (22) and spaced apart from the first barrier (22), and the bonding area with the adhesive (24) corresponds to a space between the first and second barrier (22, 28). [25] Optical arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the second barrier (28) has a closed loop configuration, or an open loop configuration having at least one opening (34) along the circumferential length of the first optical component (12). [26] Optical arrangement according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the second barrier (28) has a height from the surface (18) of the first optical component (12) that is greater than the height of the first barrier (22), and / or has an inner contour that matches an outer contour of the second optical component (14). [27] Head-mounted display comprising an optical arrangement manufactured according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 20.

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