Color-Selective Waveguides for Augmented / Mixed Reality Applications

Abstract

To provide color-selective waveguides for augmented reality / mixed reality applications.SOLUTION: There are described color-selective waveguides, methods for fabricating color-selective waveguides, and augmented reality (AR) / mixed reality (MR) applications including color-selective waveguides. The color-selective waveguides can advantageously reduce or block stray light entering a waveguide (e.g., red, green, or blue waveguide), thereby reducing or eliminating back-reflection or back-scattering into the eyepiece.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62 / 912,305, filed Oct. 8, 2019, Ser. No. 62 / 912,949, filed Oct. 9, 2019, and Ser. No. 63 / 057,412, filed July 28, 2020, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present invention relates to color selective waveguides and their implementation for Augmented Reality (AR) / Mixed Reality (MR) applications. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, an augmented reality (AR) / mixed reality (MR) eyepiece stack consists of separate red (R), green (G), and blue (B) waveguide layers stacked with gaps of tens of microns between successive layers. Multi-pupil liquid crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) projectors are designed to direct light from each color into a separate internal coupling grating (ICG) (e.g., green light into the ICG of the green waveguide layer). However, stray light from the wrong color (often from diffraction in the LCOS) can propagate into adjacent ICGs due to the necessary close proximity of the ICGs in the superpupil. Stray light can induce image retention or reduce optical properties such as contrast. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to color-selective waveguides, methods for fabricating color-selective waveguides, and augmented reality (AR) / mixed reality (MR) applications that include color-selective waveguides. In particular, the color-selective waveguides described herein can advantageously reduce or block stray light entering a waveguide (e.g., a red, green, or blue waveguide), thereby reducing or eliminating back-reflection or back-scattering into an eyepiece.

[0005] In a first general aspect, forming a polymeric waveguide includes dispensing a first polymerizable material onto a first region of a first mold, dispensing a second polymerizable material onto a second region of the first mold, contacting the first polymerizable material and the second polymerizable material with a second mold, polymerizing the first polymerizable material and the second polymerizable material to provide a patterned polymer layer between the first mold and the second mold, and separating the patterned polymer layer from the first mold and the second mold to provide a polymeric waveguide having an undoped region formed by the first polymerizable material and a doped region formed by the second polymerizable material. The first polymerizable material includes a first resin, and the second polymerizable material includes a second resin and a chromatic component. The first mold, the second mold, or both, include protrusions, recesses, or both.

[0006] Implementations of the first general aspect may include one or more of the following features.

[0007] In some implementations, the chromatic component is selected to allow transmission of selected wavelengths of light. The concentration of the chromatic component in the second polymerizable material can be in the range of 3 to 3,000 parts by weight. The selected wavelengths of light typically correspond to red, green, or blue light. The chromatic component includes one or more dyes. In some cases, the chromatic component includes a nanoparticulate material and, optionally, one or more dyes. In some implementations, the first resin and the second resin are the same. The polymeric waveguide can include more than one doped region, more than one undoped region, or more than one doped region and more than one undoped region.

[0008] The second general aspect includes a polymeric waveguide formed by the first general aspect.

[0009] In a third general aspect, the polymer waveguide includes an undoped region including a first resin and a doped region including a second resin and a chromatic component. The undoped region and the doped region have substantially the same refractive index. In some implementations of the third general aspect, the chromatic component is selected to absorb red light, green light, blue light, or any combination thereof.

[0010] In a fourth general aspect, forming a polymeric waveguide includes dispensing a polymerizable material onto a first mold, contacting the polymerizable material with a second mold, polymerizing the polymerizable material to provide a patterned polymer layer between the first mold and the second mold, and separating the patterned polymer layer from the first mold and the second mold to provide a doped polymeric waveguide. The polymerizable material includes a resin and a chromatic component. The first mold, the second mold, or both, include protrusions, recesses, or both. The chromatic component is selected to absorb red light, green light, blue light, or any combination thereof.

[0011] Implementations of the fourth general aspect may include one or more of the following features.

[0012] In some implementations, the doped polymer waveguide is free of one or more undoped regions. The doped polymer waveguide typically absorbs at least 90% of one or more of the red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide. In some cases, the chromatic components are selected to absorb at least 90% of only the red light, only the green light, or only the blue light. In some cases, the polymerizable material is a homogenous mixture. The thickness of the doped polymer waveguide is typically in the range of about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm. The total internal reflection path length of the doped polymer waveguide is typically in the range of about 2 cm to about 15 cm. The refractive index of the doped polymer waveguide is usually greater than about 1.45.

[0013] A fourth general aspect can include casting or molding. Polymerizing the polymerizable material can include irradiating the polymerizable material with ultraviolet radiation.

[0014] In a fifth general aspect, a polymer waveguide includes one or more patterned regions and one or more non-patterned regions, wherein the one or more patterned regions and the one or more non-patterned regions include a doped polymer having a chromatic component selected to absorb at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide.

[0015] Implementations of the fifth general aspect may include one or more of the following features.

[0016] One of the one or more patterned regions can be an internal coupling grating, an exit pupil expander, or an orthogonal pupil expander. The doped polymer waveguide is typically free of one or more undoped regions. Absorbs at least 90% of only red light, only green light, or only blue light. The doped polymer waveguide can absorb at least 90% of one or more of red light, green light, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide, or at least 90% of only red light, only green light, or only blue light. The doped polymer can be a homogenous material. The thickness of the doped polymer waveguide is typically in the range of about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm. The total internal reflection path length of the doped polymer waveguide is typically in the range of about 2 cm to about 15 cm. The refractive index of the doped polymer waveguide is typically greater than about 1.45.

[0017] An additional aspect includes an eyepiece that includes the polymeric waveguide of the fifth general aspect.

[0018] In a sixth general aspect, coating the waveguide includes dispensing one or more portions of a polymerizable material onto a first surface of the waveguide and polymerizing the polymerizable material to provide a doped coating on the first surface of the waveguide. The polymerizable material includes a resin and a chromatic component. The waveguide can be formed from glass or a polymer. The doped coating is selected to absorb at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide.

[0019] Implementations of the sixth general aspect may include one or more of the following features.

[0020] In some cases, the doped coating can be a continuous coating. In some cases, the doped coating forms two or more intermittent regions on the first surface of the waveguide. The doped coating typically coats the first surface of the waveguide. The first surface of the waveguide can include one or more patterned regions and one or more non-patterned regions with the polymerizable material dispensed onto one of the one or more non-patterned regions of the first surface of the waveguide. The waveguide and the doped coating can have substantially the same refractive index.

[0021] A sixth general aspect may further include dispensing one or more additional portions of a polymerizable material onto a second surface of the waveguide and polymerizing the one or more additional portions of the polymerizable material to provide a second doped coating on the second surface of the waveguide, the second surface facing the first surface, the second doped coating selected to absorb at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide.

[0022] In a seventh general aspect, a coated waveguide includes one or more non-patterned regions on a first surface and one or more patterned regions on the first surface. At least one of the one or more non-patterned regions is coated with a doped polymer coating, the doped polymer coating selected to absorb at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide. In some implementations of the seventh general aspect, a second surface of the waveguide, opposite the first surface, includes an additional doped polymer coating.

[0023] In an eighth general aspect, coating the waveguide includes dispensing a portion of a first polymerizable material onto a first surface of the waveguide, dispensing a portion of a second polymerizable material onto the first surface of the waveguide, and polymerizing the first and second polymerizable materials to provide a first doped coating and a second doped coating on the first surface of the waveguide. The first polymerizable material includes a first resin and a first chromatic component. The second polymerizable material includes a second resin and a second chromatic component. The first doped coating is selected to absorb at least 90% of a first one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide, and the second doped coating is selected to absorb at least 90% of a second one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide.

[0024] In a ninth general aspect, fabricating the color filter includes dispensing a portion of a first polymerizable material onto a surface of a first mold, dispensing a portion of a second polymerizable material onto a surface of the first mold, and dispensing a portion of a third polymerizable material onto a surface of the first mold. Fabricating the color filter further includes contacting the first polymerizable material, the second polymerizable material, and the third polymerizable material with a surface of a second mold, and polymerizing the first polymerizable material, the second polymerizable material, and the third polymerizable material to provide the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter. The first polymerizable material includes a first resin and a first chromatic component, and the second polymerizable material includes a second resin and a second chromatic component. The third polymerizable material includes a third resin and a third chromatic component. The first color filter is selected to absorb at least 90% of a first one or more of the red, green, and blue light that travels through the first color filter, the second color filter is selected to absorb at least 90% of a second one or more of the red, green, and blue light that travels through the second color filter, and the third color filter is selected to absorb at least 90% of a third one or more of the red, green, and blue light that travels through the third color filter. In some implementations, a ninth general aspect further includes bonding the first color filter, the second color filter, and the third color filter to an optical substrate or a waveguide.

[0025] In a tenth general aspect, a polymeric waveguide includes an internal coupling grating and a pupil expander. The polymeric waveguide includes a polymer doped with a chromatic component. A concentration of the chromatic component in the polymer varies from a first side of the polymeric waveguide to a second side of the polymeric waveguide. In some implementations of the tenth general aspect, a concentration of the chromatic component increases from the first side of the polymeric waveguide to the second side of the polymeric waveguide.

[0026] An eleventh general aspect includes a waveguide formed according to any of the above general aspects.

[0027] A twelfth general aspect includes an eyepiece that includes two or more of the waveguides of the eleventh general aspect.

[0028] A thirteenth general aspect includes a device including the eyepiece of the twelfth general aspect.

[0029] In a fourteenth general aspect, a waveguide structure includes a waveguide configured to transmit light in the visible wavelength range, and a curable adhesive doped with a colorant that absorbs light in the visible wavelength range and transmits ultraviolet light, the curable adhesive being in direct contact with the waveguide.

[0030] Implementations of the fourteenth general aspect may include one or more of the following features.

[0031] In some cases, the visible wavelength range can correspond to red, green, or blue light, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the visible wavelength range corresponds to cyan, magenta, or yellow light, or any combination thereof. The cured adhesive is typically a single layer having a thickness in the range of about 10 μm to about 1.5 mm. The cured adhesive is allowed to fully cure. The cured adhesive typically forms an edge seal.

[0032] In a fifteenth general aspect, a waveguide stack includes multiple waveguide structures and a curable adhesive doped with a colorant that absorbs light in respective different visible wavelength ranges and transmits ultraviolet light. Each waveguide structure has a waveguide configured to transmit light in a different visible wavelength range, and the adhesive is in direct contact with adjacent waveguide structures in the multiple waveguide structures. In some implementations of the fifteenth general aspect, the curable adhesive is a single layer having a thickness in a range of about 10 μm to about 1.5 mm. In some implementations of the fifteenth general aspect, the curable adhesive forms an edge seal.

[0033] In a sixteenth general aspect, forming a waveguide structure includes selecting a waveguide configured to transmit light in a visible wavelength range, applying an adhesive to the waveguide that is doped with a colorant that absorbs light in the visible wavelength range and transmits ultraviolet light, and fully curing the adhesive with a single application of ultraviolet light to yield the waveguide structure. The adhesive has a thickness in a range of about 10 μm to about 1.5 mm. In some implementations of the sixteenth general aspect, the adhesive is applied to an edge or surface of a layer of the waveguide that is configured for lamination to another waveguide that is configured to transmit visible light in another visible wavelength range.

[0034] The details of one or more embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) 1. A doped polymer waveguide comprising: one or more patterned regions; one or more non-patterned regions; Equipped with the one or more patterned regions and the one or more non-patterned regions comprise a doped polymer, the doped polymer comprising a chromatic component selected to absorb at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide; Doped polymer waveguides. (Item 2) 2. The polymer waveguide of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more patterned regions is an internal coupling grating, an exit pupil expander, or an orthogonal pupil expander. (Item 3) 2. The polymer waveguide of claim 1, wherein the doped polymer waveguide is free of one or more undoped regions. (Item 4) 2. The polymer waveguide of claim 1, wherein the doped polymer waveguide absorbs at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide. (Item 5) 2. The polymer waveguide of claim 1, wherein the doped polymer is a homogenous material. (Item 6) 2. The polymer waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the doped polymer waveguide is within a range of about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm. (Item 7) 2. The polymer waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the total internal reflection path length of the doped polymer waveguide is in the range of about 2 cm to about 15 cm. (Item 8) Item 1. The polymer waveguide of item 1, wherein the refractive index of the doped polymer waveguide is greater than about 1.45. (Item 9) 2. The polymer waveguide of claim 1, wherein the chromatic components are selected to absorb at least 90% of only red light, only green light, or only blue light. (Item 10) An eyepiece lens comprising the polymer waveguide described in item 1. (Item 11) 1. A method of forming a doped polymer waveguide, the method comprising: Dispensing a polymerizable material onto a first mold, the polymerizable material comprising a resin and a chromatic component; contacting the polymerizable material with a second mold, wherein the first mold, the second mold, or both, include protrusions, recesses, or both; polymerizing the polymerizable material to provide a patterned polymer layer between the first mold and the second mold; Separating the patterned polymer layer from the first mold and the second mold to provide the doped polymer waveguide, wherein the chromatic components are selected to absorb red light, green light, blue light, or any combination thereof. A method comprising: (Item 12) 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the doped polymer waveguide is free of one or more undoped regions. (Item 13) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the doped polymer waveguide absorbs at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the polymer waveguide. (Item 14) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the polymerizable material is a homogenous mixture. (Item 15) Item 12. The method according to item 11, wherein the thickness of the doped polymer waveguide is in the range of about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm. (Item 16) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the total internal reflection path length of the doped polymer waveguide is in the range of about 2 cm to about 15 cm. (Item 17) 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said contacting and said separating comprises casting or molding. (Item 18) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the refractive index of the doped polymer waveguide is greater than about 1.45. (Item 19) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the chromatic components are selected to absorb at least 90% of only red light, only green light, or only blue light. (Item 20) Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein polymerizing the polymerizable material comprises irradiating the polymerizable material with ultraviolet radiation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B depict color filters and the optical transmittance through these color filters, respectively. [Figure 1B] 1A and 1B depict color filters and the optical transmittance through these color filters, respectively.

[0036] [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B depict dye-doped waveguides for color filtering.

[0037] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A depicts the localized dispensing of dye-doped resin during waveguide fabrication via casting, Figure 3B depicts a dye-doped polymer waveguide, and Figure 3C depicts the transmittance of selected optical components through a dye-doped polymer waveguide. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A depicts the localized dispensing of dye-doped resin during waveguide fabrication via casting, Figure 3B depicts a dye-doped polymer waveguide, and Figure 3C depicts the transmittance of selected optical components through a dye-doped polymer waveguide. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A depicts the localized dispensing of dye-doped resin during waveguide fabrication via casting, Figure 3B depicts a dye-doped polymer waveguide, and Figure 3C depicts the transmittance of selected optical components through a dye-doped polymer waveguide.

[0038] [Figure 4A] 4A-4D depict the global dispensing of dye-doped resin to produce color-selective waveguides. [Figure 4B] 4A-4D depict the global dispensing of dye-doped resin to produce color-selective waveguides. [Figure 4C] 4A-4D depict the global dispensing of dye-doped resin to produce color-selective waveguides. [Figure 4D] 4A-4D depict the global dispensing of dye-doped resin to produce color-selective waveguides.

[0039] [Figure 5-1] 5A-5F depict local and global coating of dye-doped resin onto glass or polymer waveguides for color selectivity. [Figure 5-2]5A-5F depict local and global coating of dye-doped resin onto glass or polymer waveguides for color selectivity.

[0040] [Figure 6A] 6A and 6B depict the direct casting of color filters onto the surface of an existing waveguide or cladding layer. [Figure 6B] 6A and 6B depict the direct casting of color filters onto the surface of an existing waveguide or cladding layer.

[0041] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 depicts the casting of individual color filters with dye-doped resin.

[0042] [Figure 8] 8A-8H depict examples of gradients in dye loading within a waveguide.

[0043] [Figure 9] 9A-9C show examples of suitable absorptance ranges for red, green, and blue (RGB) dyes for color selective polymer waveguides.

[0044] [Figure 10] 10A-10C show examples of suitable transmittance for red, green, and blue dyes for a color selective polymer waveguide.

[0045] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the UV-visible spectrum of an exemplary UVA enhanced lamp suitable for UV curing of adhesives.

[0046] [Figure 12] 12A-12C show red, green, and blue edge absorbers with colorant absorption spectra directly tailored to color channels in a waveguide.

[0047] [Figure 13]FIG. 13 depicts an edge absorber with green and blue portions.

[0048] [Figure 14A] Figure 14A shows an example with an adhesive and colorant with matched absorption in the green and blue wavelengths at different dopant levels, and Figure 14B is a graph showing the percent transmission from Figure 14A versus dopant level. [Figure 14B] Figure 14A shows an example with an adhesive and colorant with matched absorption in the green and blue wavelengths at different dopant levels, and Figure 14B is a graph showing the percent transmission from Figure 14A versus dopant level.

[0049] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 depicts a visible wavelength edge absorber and interlayer lamination adhesive containing wavelength absorbing colorants for each color channel in the eyepiece stack.

[0050] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows the overlaid absorption spectra of red, green, and blue colorants.

[0051] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a comparison of the simulation of the absorption spectra of FIG. 16 with the output of exemplary red, green, and blue light emitting diodes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Detailed Description Current internal coupling grating (ICG) designs have limited wavelength selectivity, such that stray light of undesired wavelengths is sometimes injected into the waveguide. In one embodiment, the green ICG diffracts a portion of the blue and red light, which is coupled into the waveguide as "stray light." The presence of stray light in the waveguide can degrade its optical performance. In some cases, light at the edge of the waveguide is back-reflected or back-scattered into the eyepiece, thereby compromising contrast.

[0053] One method to mitigate stray light coupling into the waveguide is to use color filters that selectively pass a single color and block other colors that may otherwise end up as unwanted light in the waveguide. FIG. 1A depicts an exploded view of a glass-based eyepiece stack 100 with red, green, and blue filters 102, 104, 106, respectively, on an eye-side coating layer 108. Red, green, and blue filters 110, 112, 114 are typically used to selectively transmit RGB light into the corresponding red, green, and blue waveguides 102, 104, 106, respectively, while absorbing other colors. The RGB waveguides each include an internal coupling grating (ICG) 116, an exit pupil expander (EPE) 118, and an orthogonal pupil expander (OPE) 120. The red, green, and blue waveguides 102, 104, 106 are positioned between the eye-side coating layer 108 and the world-side coating layer 122. Figure 1B depicts the spectral responses 130, 132, 134 of the red, green, and blue filters, respectively, shown in Figure 1A. However, integrating glass color filters with a polymer eyepiece can be difficult, at least in part, due to differences in thermal expansion and precision alignment requirements of certain optical designs. Doing so can introduce complexity and cost that is not present in a glass eyepiece.

[0054] Color selective polymeric waveguide eyepieces that reduce the coupling of stray light into the waveguide are described herein. In some cases, the polymer of the specific color eyepiece layer is doped with one or more dyes or particles with selected chromatic properties to attenuate undesired wavelengths of light that are coupled in (e.g., a green eyepiece layer is doped with a green dye on the optical path). In one example, a high refractive index (RI) resin used for polymeric waveguide fabrication is loaded with a desired color dye to allow a certain wavelength range of light to pass and block all other wavelengths. As used herein, "high refractive index" generally refers to an RI at 587.56 nm (nominal diameter RI) greater than about 1.45, or greater than about 1.5. The amount of light of a specific color blocked by a specific dye is based at least in part on the concentration of the dye in the polymer.

[0055] Typically, the waveguide thickness described herein is about hundreds of microns (about 200 μm to about 1,000 μm) and is less than the total internal reflection (TIR) ​​path length, which can typically be a few centimeters (about 2 cm to about 15 cm). The longer optical path length in the waveguide promotes effective absorption of stray light even at low dye loadings in polymeric waveguides. FIG. 2A depicts an orange dye-doped waveguide 200 (e.g., with a thickness of about 200 μm to about 500 μm) and the transmission of blue light 202 through the orange-doped waveguide 200. FIG. 2B depicts the attenuation of blue light 202 that occurs as the light travels a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​path (e.g., about 3 cm to about 5 cm) through the orange dye-doped waveguide 200. The suitability of a dye for dye loading into a specific polymer waveguide for color selectivity can be based at least in part on factors including chemical compatibility, process compatibility, and solubility of the dye in the base high refractive index resin.

[0056] The color-selective waveguides described herein can be fabricated in a variety of ways, including various molding and casting methods, lithography methods (e.g., imprint lithography methods), etching methods, deposition methods, and other suitable methods, and any combination thereof. The fabrication may include a single process or two or more different processes. In one example, fabricating a color-selective waveguide includes casting a waveguide with a chromatic component to result in a doped waveguide (e.g., a dye-doped waveguide) and modifying the doped waveguide to include features (e.g., gratings, pillars, spacers, and the like). The doped waveguide may be flat or patterned, or have any combination of flat and patterned regions. Modifying the doped waveguide may include an imprint lithography process or an etching process to create the appropriate features.

[0057] One aspect involves localized dispensing of dye-doped high-index resin along with dispensing of base resin for waveguide fabrication. Using this approach, dye doping can be accomplished at single or multiple locations within the bulk of the polymer waveguide, depending at least in part on the concentration of dye used and / or the range of light that needs to be attenuated. In one embodiment, the dye-doped high-index resin is dispensed in a controlled manner around the ICG area. FIG. 3A depicts steps in a process for fabricating dye-doped polymer waveguides. A base (undoped) high-index resin 300 is dispensed onto a patterned surface 302 (e.g., around a central area) of a bottom mold 304. A dye-doped resin 306 is dispensed onto another area of ​​the bottom mold 304 and allowed to diffuse between the top mold 308 and the bottom mold 304, spaced apart by selected distances. After casting, the resin is cured (e.g., using UV radiation) and the resulting waveguide is demolded to yield a dye-doped polymer waveguide 310 with undoped polymer regions 312 and doped polymer regions 314. With an ICG area 316 formed from the doped polymer and a diffractive area 318 formed from the undoped polymer, the dye-doped polymer waveguide 310 is highly selective for a selected color. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the doped polymer waveguide 310 includes an undoped polymer region 312 (diffractive area 316) and a doped polymer region 314 (ICG area 318 and area 320 between the diffractive area 316). FIG. 3C shows light with RGB components 322, 324, 326, respectively, entering the dye-doped polymer waveguide 310 and only a selected component (e.g., red component 322) demonstrating TIR through the dye-doped polymer waveguide 310. EXAMPLES

[0058] Example 1 Example 1.Two different resin samples were prepared based on LUMIPLUS 1.71 refractive index resin, supplied by Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals (MGC) (Japan). 50 mL of pure LUMIPLUS formulation was prepared using MGC's protocol without adding any dye into the base resin to yield a resin batch. 25 mL of the resin batch was placed into a separate glass vial and 1 wt% of VIS484 (supplied by Adam Gates & Company) was added to the vial. The resulting dye-loaded resin was then exposed to ultrasonic waves for mixing for about 5 minutes to yield a homogenous dye-doped resin. A polymeric waveguide was fabricated by dispensing about 3 mL of pure resin in the center on a nanopatterned mold with a diffraction pattern and about 1 mL of dye-doped resin around the ICG area. The resin was then spread between the two molds spaced at a distance of about 350 μm and exposed to UV light (wavelength of about 365 nm) for curing, followed by a post-annealing step at 100° C. for 20 minutes. The resulting dye-doped polymer waveguide has two distinct zones, with the first zone around the ICG area having the color-selective dye and the rest of the waveguide being dye-free, as depicted in FIG. 3A.

[0059] In a manner similar to that described in Example 1, a variety of color dyes (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, and infrared dyes) with selective transmittance and absorptance can be used to fabricate color-selective polymeric waveguides. Exemplary base resin / dye combinations are listed in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0060] In addition to the resin-dye combinations listed in Table 1, two or more dyes can be incorporated into the same base resin to achieve specific color selectivity. Examples of dye combinations are listed in Table 2. This approach can be useful when a single dye cannot achieve the desired color selectivity. In one embodiment, a pseudo-black dye formulated to absorb RGB light is doped into the periphery of the ICG toward the anti-emission side to absorb RGB light. Such a pseudo-black dye can also be applied around the periphery of the glass or polymer waveguide to absorb RGB light reflected or refracted from the edge. [Table 2]

[0061] Another aspect involves global dispensing of dye-doped high refractive index resin for waveguide fabrication. Since the waveguide is uniformly doped, a low concentration of dye can effectively attenuate undesired light as the light undergoes TIR over a path length of several centimeters. FIG. 4A depicts global dispensing of dye-doped high refractive index resin, in which dye-doped resin 406 is dispensed onto the patterned surface 402 of a bottom mold 404 and undergoes a casting and curing process between the bottom mold 404 and the top mold 408, similar to that depicted in FIG. 3A, to fabricate a color-selective waveguide 410 with only dye-doped polymer 414 in the ICG area 416 and the diffraction area 418. FIGs. 4B-4D depict ray diagrams for dye-doped waveguides that allow only red, green, and blue light 422, 424, and 426, respectively. In Figure 4B, red polymer doped waveguide 410r allows for TIR of only red light 422. In Figure 4C, green polymer doped waveguide 410g allows for TIR of only green light 424. In Figure 4D, blue polymer doped waveguide 410b allows for TIR of only blue light 426. Example 2

[0062] Example 2.25mL of LUMIPLUS 1.72 refractive index resin was prepared in a glass vial according to the POR mix ratio of MGC of each monomer. For this, VIS484 dye (Adam Gates & Company) was added at a low concentration. The resulting dye-doped resin was then exposed to ultrasonic waves for mixing for about 5 minutes to result in a homogeneous dye-doped resin. The dye-doped resin formulation was dispensed onto the mold surface for waveguide fabrication.

[0063] In a manner similar to that described in Example 2, various color dyes (red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, and infrared) as shown in Table 1 with selective transmittance and absorptance can be used to fabricate color-selective polymer waveguides.

[0064] Another aspect involves local and global coating of dye-doped high refractive index resin on the waveguide surface. The coated waveguide can be formed of glass or polymer. In this approach, the waveguide surface can be locally or globally coated with dye-doped high refractive index resin to achieve the desired optical attenuation. Figures 5A-5F depict various implementations of such coatings and example locations on the waveguide where such coatings can be applied. In Figure 5A, a dye-doped polymer waveguide 510 includes a waveguide 512 and a dye-doped polymer coating 514 between an ICG area 516 and a diffraction area 518. In Figure 5B, a dye-doped polymer waveguide 520 includes a waveguide 522 and a dye-doped coating 524 around an ICG area 526. In Figure 5C, dye-doped polymer waveguide 530 includes a waveguide 532, a dye-doped coating 534 around a diffractive area 538, and an ICG area 536. In Figure 5D, dye-doped polymer waveguide 540 includes a waveguide 542, a first dye-doped coating 544 on the side of the ICG area 546, a second dye-doped coating 544' on a surface of the waveguide 542 opposite the ICG area 546, and a diffractive area 548. The second dye-doped coating 544' may be the same or different (e.g., in one or more of thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) from the first dye-doped coating 544. 5E, dye-doped polymer waveguide 550 includes a waveguide 552, a first dye-doped coating 554 on waveguide 552 surrounding an ICG area 556, a second dye-doped coating 554' on a surface of waveguide 552 opposite ICG area 556, and a diffractive area 558. The second dye-doped coating 554' may be the same as or different from the first dye-doped coating 554 (e.g., in one or more of thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency), each of which may be the same as or different from the first dye-doped coating 554 (e.g., in one or more of thickness, color, composition, composition).5F, dye-doped polymer waveguide 560 includes a waveguide 562, a first dye-doped coating 564 around an ICG area 566, a diffractive area 568, and a second dye-doped coating 564' on a surface of waveguide 562 opposite ICG area 566, a diffractive area 568. Second dye-doped coating 564' can be the same as or different from first dye-doped coating 564 (e.g., in thickness, color, composition, one or more of composition), each of which can be the same as or different from first dye-doped coating 564 (e.g., in thickness, color, composition, one or more of composition).

[0065] 5A-5F, the waveguides 512, 522, 532, 542, 552, and 562 can be glass or polymer. Where the dye-doped polymer may interfere with the user's vision, a low concentration of dye can be used so that the color tone is not detectable. Where the dye-doped polymer does not interfere with the user's vision, a higher concentration dye can be introduced to achieve greater light attenuation as light propagates in TIR through the waveguide, thereby achieving greater color selectivity.

[0066] Another aspect involves casting color filters directly onto the surface of a waveguide or a cladding layer. In this approach, localized highly pigmented areas of specific dyes are deposited onto a glass or polymer waveguide or cladding layer surface using a UV-curable composition loaded with the desired dye pigment. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate color filter processing for a waveguide and a cladding layer, respectively. Figure 6A depicts casting of dye-doped resin 606 in an ICG area 616 on a patterned surface 602 between an upper mold 608 and a substrate 604. The substrate 604 is a waveguide 612 (e.g., a glass or polymer waveguide). After casting and UV curing, the dye-doped waveguide 610 includes a dye-doped region 614 around the periphery of the ICG area 616. 6B depicts the casting of dye-doped resin 626 between a substrate 624 (e.g., a coated glass or polymer layer) and a top mold 628, followed by UV curing and demolding of the doped polymer waveguide 630 with color filters 634 on the surface of the doped polymer waveguide 630. The dye-doped resin 626 may be the same or different (e.g., in thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) so that the color filters 634 are similarly the same or different.

[0067] Another aspect involves casting individual color filters separately. The resulting color filters can be fabricated separately in multiple numbers through casting of UV-curable dye-doped high refractive index resin as depicted in FIG. 7. The color filters can then be extracted and placed on a polymer or glass substrate for use in a selected device. FIG. 7 depicts the dye-doped resin on the bottom mold 704 and casting of the dye-doped resin 706 between the bottom mold 704 and the top mold 708. The dye-doped resin 716 can be of different colors (e.g., RGB). The dye-doped resin 706 is cured (e.g., with UV light) and demolded to result in color filters 714 on the bottom mold 704. The color filters 714 (e.g., one per RGB) can be removed (extracted) from the bottom mold 704 and positioned (placed) on a substrate 720 (e.g., a cover layer).

[0068] Another aspect involves doping a polymer waveguide with an infrared dye. The infrared dye doped polymer waveguide can aid in eye tracking. The infrared dye doped waveguide can be fabricated in a manner similar to that described in Example 1 or Example 2.

[0069] Another aspect involves doping a polymer waveguide with one or more dyes having a selected concentration gradient. Figures 8A-8H depict top views of various implementations in which the waveguide is doped with a dye having a selected concentration gradient across all or a portion of the waveguide to result in a dye-doped waveguide. The dye concentration, doping location, and gradient pattern can be selected based on the application. A dye-doped gradient can be achieved by dispensing dye-doped resin droplets with varying dye concentrations and allowing the droplets to spread to cover the desired area of ​​the waveguide before the resin hardens.

[0070] 8A depicts a dye-doped waveguide 810 with a dye concentration gradient that decreases from the perimeter of the dye-doped waveguide 810 proximate the ICG area 816 toward the perimeter of the dye-doped waveguide 810 proximate the diffractive (e.g., EPE / OPE) area 818. FIG. 8B depicts a dye-doped waveguide 820 with a dye concentration gradient that increases from the perimeter of the dye-doped waveguide 820 proximate the ICG area 816 toward the perimeter of the dye-doped waveguide 820 proximate the diffractive area 818. FIG. 8C depicts a dye-doped waveguide 830 with a dye concentration gradient that increases from the perimeter proximate a first side of both the ICG area 816 and the diffractive area 818 (e.g., closer to the ICG area 816) toward the perimeter on a second side of the ICG area 816 and the diffractive area 818 (e.g., closer to the diffractive area 818). FIG. 8D depicts a dye-doped waveguide 840 with a dye concentration gradient that increases from the perimeter of the dye-doped waveguide 840 adjacent to the second side (e.g., closer to the diffraction area 818) of the ICG area 816 and the diffraction area 818 toward the perimeter on the first side (e.g., closer to the diffraction area 818) of the ICG area 816 and the diffraction area 818. FIG. 8E depicts a dye-doped waveguide 850 with a dye concentration gradient similar to that of the dye-doped waveguide 810 in FIG. 8A with a dye-doped ICG area 816'. The dye-doped ICG area 816' can include dyes that are the same or different (e.g., thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) as the dyes in the dye concentration gradient. FIG. 8F depicts a dye-doped waveguide 860 similar to that of the dye-doped waveguide 850 in FIG. 8E with a dye-doped polymer 814 surrounding the ICG area 816. The dye-doped polymer 814 can include a dye that is the same or different (e.g., thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) as the dye in the dye concentration gradient, the ICG region 816, or both. Figure 8G depicts a dye-doped waveguide 870, similar to that of the dye-doped waveguide 850 in Figure 8E, with the dye-doped polymer 814 partially surrounding the ICG region 816. One of the diffractive areas 818 (e.g., EPE or OPE) is doped with a dye that is the same or different (e.g., thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) as the dye in the dye-doped polymer 814, which partially surrounds the ICG region 816.The dye-doped polymer 814 is doped with a dye that is the same or different (e.g., thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) than any other dye in the dye-doped waveguide 870 (e.g., the dye in the dye concentration gradient, the dye in the ICG area 816, or both). FIG. 8H depicts a dye-doped waveguide 880 similar to that of the dye-doped waveguide 870 in FIG. 8G, with a dye-doped region 814' around the perimeter of the dye-doped waveguide 880. The dye-doped region 814' is doped with a dye that is the same or different (e.g., thickness, color, composition, concentration, transparency) than one or more of the dyes in the dye concentration gradient, the ICG area 816, and the diffraction area 818.

[0071] In some aspects, the dye-doped polymer of the polymeric waveguide has a refractive index that is substantially the same as, or within a selected range (Δn≦0.5) of, the refractive index of the undoped polymer of the polymeric waveguide. Thus, in some implementations, the dye-doped polymer in the polymeric waveguide is formed from the same resin as the undoped polymer in the polymeric waveguide. In some implementations (e.g., for glass waveguides), the refractive index of the dye-doped polymer coating may be selected to be substantially the same as the refractive index of the substrate (e.g., glass substrate) on which it is coated.

[0072] Table 3 lists the optical and chemical properties (eg, solubility, concentration, relative transmission) of suitable chromatic components for doped polymer waveguides and coatings, including components for red, blue, and green layer dyes. [Table 3]

[0073] Table 4 lists preferred ranges relating to doping of chromatic components in high RI resins used for polymeric waveguides. [Table 4]

[0074] The diffraction efficiency from the LCOS is 60:1, and assuming all of this light is incident on an ICG of a color other than the color of interest, it is estimated that a >5:1 (<20% transmission) color filter performance is required to achieve >300:1 performance. Using an estimated average path length in a 50mm waveguide, this is ≥0.14cm. -1 For the color of interest, a transmission of >95% is advantageous. Using an estimated average path length in a 50 mm waveguide, this corresponds to an absorption of ≦0.004 cm -1 9A-9C show examples of suitable absorptance ranges for RGB dye wavelength ranges for color selective polymer waveguides. In FIG. 9A (blue dye), the absorptance for blue dye 900 is typically about 0.004 cm -1 or less, with the absorptivity for the green dye 902 and the red dye 904 typically being around 0.14 cm -1 In FIG. 9B (green dye), the absorptivity for the green dye 902 is typically about 0.004 cm -1 or less, the absorptivity for the blue dye 900 and the red dye 904 is typically about 0.14 cm -1 In FIG. 9C (red dye), the absorptivity for the red dye 904 is typically about 0.004 cm -1 or less, the absorptivity for the blue dye 900 and the green dye 902 is typically about 0.14 cm -1 Or greater.

[0075] Although the final concentrations of the colorimetric components in the casting may correspond to the levels depicted in Figures 9A-9C, these ranges would correspond to <72% transmission (absorbent region) and >99% transmission (transmitted region) for a 1 cm path length. At a 1 cm path length, it may be advantageous to consider the absorption range between >0.7 and <0.02, which corresponds to <20% transmission (absorbent region) and >95% transmission (transmitted region).

[0076] 10A-10C show examples of suitable transmittances for RGB dyes for color selective polymer waveguides. In FIG. 10A (blue dye), the transmittance for blue dye 900 is typically about 95% or greater, and the transmittance for green dye 902 and red dye 904 is typically about 20% or less. In FIG. 10B (green dye), the absorptance for green dye 902 is typically about 95% or greater, and the transmittance for blue dye 900 and red dye 904 is typically about 20% or less. In FIG. 9C (red dye), the transmittance for red dye 904 is typically about 95% or greater, and the absorptance for blue dye 900 and green dye 902 is typically about 20% or less.

[0077] In another aspect, colorant-doped (e.g., dye- or pigment-doped) UV-curable adhesives are implemented to preserve the light-absorbing or light-attenuating properties of the edge seal adhesive or interlayer adhesive, thereby allowing for efficient UV curing that cures at a wide range of applied thicknesses. UV-curable adhesives are typically used for interlayer adhesive and edge seal applications, but if too much UV light is absorbed at the adhesive surface during UV curing, a UV-cured skin and a non-cured center will result. This imposes a limit on the thickness of the applied adhesive, and if the processing time is held constant, the processing time (cycles) will be increased to achieve an increased thickness or a limit maximum thickness of the applied adhesive. This effect is even more evident with respect to "black border adhesives," which typically contain carbon black and have a wide range of UV-visible light absorption.

[0078] Figure 11 shows the UV-visible (200-400 nm, 400-700 nm, respectively) spectra of an exemplary UVA enhanced lamp (Uvitron 600 W UVA Enhanced Lamp Spectral Distribution UV0834) suitable for UV curing of adhesives. The relative intensities of UVC radiation (200 nm to 280 nm, depicted as 250 nm to 280 nm) 1100, UVB radiation (280 nm to 315 nm) 1102, UVA radiation (315 nm to 400 nm) 1104, and visible radiation (400 nm to 700 nm) 1106 are shown. Carbon black absorption spectrum has a wide range of absorptivity across the UV and visible wavelengths. In particular, this extensive absorption in UV reduces the depth of cure of the black border adhesive; UV radiation typically penetrates only a limited depth (e.g., 120 μm to 200 μm) of the layer, leaving the remainder of the layer partially cured or completely uncured in the absence of thermal curing. If the edge seal is partially uncured, the adhesive may phase separate during reliability test conditions, with the clear resin wicking into the grid areas. Repeated application of thinner coats followed by UV curing after each coat may be implemented to achieve thicker coatings, but uniform dispensing of the adhesive and increased processing times (cycles) may become an issue.

[0079] The colorant-doped adhesives described herein are suitable for high-throughput processing of waveguide-based eyepieces, including polymer or glass waveguides. The absorption spectra of these color-absorbing adhesives can be selectively tailored (RGB, CMYK, etc.) to match the color channel and visible light absorption specifications of each waveguide. Colorants (e.g., pigments or dyes) with tailored spectra can be added to the adhesive to absorb the specific behavior of single or multiple wavelengths of waveguide light, while not absorbing UV light, thereby allowing efficient curing of the adhesive material with limited effect on its thickness. The method allows for the processing of customized wavelength-absorbing adhesives.

[0080] The colorant doped adhesive is prepared by combining the base adhesive with a colorant. As provided by the Beer-Lambert law, the concentration of the colorant in the base adhesive can be selected based on the absorptivity of the colorant at the wavelength of interest, the amount of light to be attenuated, and the optical path length available to achieve this attenuation. The colorant can be selected to absorb the specific wavelengths carried by the waveguide while not absorbing UV light. Suitable colorant concentrations are typically in the range of 0.1 mg / L to 100 g / L. Table 5 lists examples of commercially available UV curable adhesive materials, and Table 6 lists examples of commercially available colorants. [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0081] In one embodiment, a green light source with a FWHM of 1 nm to 35 nm is paired with a colorant that absorbs in the same wavelength range. For some architectures and sources, a 1:1 match in the spectrum is preferred. For other architectures and sources, the colorant absorption spectrum is focused at the peak wavelength of the light source.

[0082] In a single color absorbing embodiment, the red channel waveguide is paired with an adhesive doped with a red absorbing colorant used as an edge absorber. Figures 12A-12C show RGB edge absorbers with colorant absorption spectra directly matched to the color channels carried in the waveguide. The waveguides can be made of glass or polymer. Figure 12A shows a blue channel waveguide 1200 with a spacer 1202 with adhesive 1204 doped with a UV-passing blue absorbing colorant (e.g., VIS461B). Figure 12B shows a green channel waveguide 1210 with a spacer 1212 with adhesive 1214 doped with a UV-passing green absorbing colorant (e.g., VIS548B). Figure 12C shows a red channel waveguide 1220 with a spacer 1222 with adhesive 1224 doped with a UV-passing red absorbing colorant (e.g., VIS637A).

[0083] In a polychromatic absorbing embodiment, blue and green channel waveguides are mated with adhesives doped with blue and green wavelength absorbing colorants, used as edge absorbers. The blue and green channel waveguides can be made of glass or polymer. FIG. 13 shows the doping of UV passing blue and green absorbing colorants (e.g., Adam Gates VIS484 or QCR The figure depicts blue and green channel waveguides 1300 with spacers 1302 having adhesive 1304 doped with QCR Solutions VIS461B+QCR Solutions VIS548B).

[0084] FIG. 14A shows the transmittance (%) versus wavelength (nm) of various compositions including air (plot 1400), a comparative example with only adhesive (LPB-224) (plot 1402), an example including adhesive (LPB-224), and various colorant (Adam Gates VIS484) concentrations (plots 1404, 1406, 1408, 1410) showing matched absorbance at blue and green wavelengths. Plot 1404 corresponds to 1 mL LPB-224 / 20 μL dye standard. Plot 1406 corresponds to 1 mL LPB-224 / 40 μL dye standard. Plot 1408 corresponds to 1 mL LPB-224 / 80 μL dye standard. Plot 1410 corresponds to 1 mL LPB-224 / 160 μL dye standard. The dye standard consisted of 0.0177 g of VIS484 dissolved in 20.58 g (or 20.58 mL) base monomer (LPB). Plots 1420, 1422, 1424 in Figure 14B show percent transmittance (%T) versus dopant level at 640 nm, 520 nm, and 450 nm, respectively, taken from Figure 14A.

[0085] In another embodiment, the visible wavelength edge absorbers and interlayer lamination adhesives are prepared by adding colorants that absorb the wavelengths for each color channel in the eyepiece stack. FIG. 15 shows red, green, and blue channel waveguides 1500, 1502, 1504 between cover layers 1506 and supported by visible wavelength edge absorbers 1508 and integrated spacers 1510 and 1512. The waveguides 1500, 1502, and 1504 can be made of polymer or glass. The visible wavelength edge absorbers 1508 are RGB absorbing, UV passing. The integrated spacers 1510 and 1512 include a visible wavelength interlamination glue that is RGB absorbing, UV passing. Any mixture of RGB, CMY, or the like can be used as an advantage, depending on the wavelength of the waveguide channel light to be absorbed, while leaving the adhesive with UV transparency.

[0086] Plots 1600, 1602, 1604 in FIG. 16 show the overlaid absorption spectra (absorbance vs. wavelength) of individual QCR Solutions Dye VIS637A (red), VIS548B (green), and VIS461B (blue), respectively, which exhibit little absorption in the UV band. Plot 1700 in FIG. 17 shows the optical power vs. wavelength for a combination of QCR solution dyes (33% VIS461, 33% VIS548, and 33% VIS637) from FIG. 16. Plots 1702, 1704, 1706 show the optical power vs. wavelength, e.g., RBG light emitting diode power. Plot 1708 shows the optical power vs. wavelength for phototropic transmission, illustrating the absorptance in the RGB bands (RGB=0.735, 0.797, and 0.727, respectively).

[0087] Customized color absorbing adhesive can be applied on any horizontal surface of the waveguide layer, including on the edges (e.g., as depicted in Figures 12A-12C and 13) or on the integrated spacers (e.g., as depicted in Figure 15).

[0088] Index matching of the adhesive (whether an interlayer adhesive or an edge absorber) can be obtained by utilizing a high index component with the methods described herein, or by using a high index UV cured adhesive and a matching colorant as described herein. A closer index match between the adhesive and the waveguide layer can be achieved to reduce back reflections at the interface.

[0089] The colorant can be incorporated into a wide range of adhesives without limiting or restricting the dispensed thickness, the dispensed area, or the viscosity of the adhesive. The viscosity of the adhesive can be selected as needed for the intended application. A suitable viscosity range for edge seals is typically within the range of about 300 cP to about 3,000 cP at the application temperature (e.g., at room temperature). A suitable viscosity range for interlayer laminates without integrated spacers is typically within the range of about 27,000 cP to about 70,000 cP. A suitable viscosity range for interlayer laminates with adhesive dispensed on integrated spacers is typically less than about 20 cP. The thickness range of the adhesive is also based on the intended application. A suitable thickness for edge seals is typically within the range of about 50 μm to about 150 μm. A suitable thickness for interlayer laminates with integrated spacers is typically within the range of about 25 μm to about 250 μm. Suitable thicknesses for interlayer laminates with integrated spacers are typically in the range of about 1 μm to about 10 μm.

[0090] Although this specification contains many specific details, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or what may be claimed, but rather are examples of features associated with a particular embodiment. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in a certain combination, the combinations originally claimed and claimed may further be directed to subcombinations or variations of subcombinations, such that one or more features from the claimed combination may be excluded from the combination in some examples.

[0091] Several embodiments have been described. It should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the various structures shown above may be used with elements rearranged, positioned differently, oriented differently, added, and / or removed. Thus, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. An optical device comprising: a waveguide, the waveguide including one or more patterned regions and one or more non-patterned regions on one or more surfaces of the waveguide; a polymer coating on at least a portion of at least one non-patterned region of at least one surface of the waveguide, the polymer coating including a chromatic component that absorbs at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the waveguide; Equipped with The optical device is an eyepiece, and the polymer coating includes a first concentration of the chromatic component on a first portion of the waveguide where the chromatic component will interfere with the vision of a user of the eyepiece, and a second concentration of the chromatic component on a second portion of the waveguide where the chromatic component will not interfere with the vision of the user, the first concentration being less than the second concentration.

2. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is formed from a glass material.

3. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide is formed from a polymeric material.

4. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the one or more patterned regions include an internal coupling grating (ICG) and one or more diffractive regions.

5. The optical device of claim 4 , wherein the polymer coating is between the ICG and one of the one or more diffractive regions.

6. The optical device of claim 4 , wherein the polymer coating surrounds the ICG.

7. The optical device of claim 4 , wherein the polymer coating surrounds the ICG and surrounds at least one of the one or more diffractive regions.

8. 5. The optical device of claim 4, wherein the one or more diffractive regions include one or more of an exit pupil expander (EPE) and an orthogonal pupil expander (OPE).

9. 1. An optical device comprising: a waveguide, the waveguide including one or more patterned regions and one or more non-patterned regions on one or more surfaces of the waveguide; a polymer coating on at least a portion of at least one non-patterned region of at least one surface of the waveguide, the polymer coating including a chromatic component that absorbs at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the waveguide; Equipped with The polymer coating is a first polymer coating on a first surface of the waveguide, and the optical device includes a second polymer coating on at least a portion of a second surface of the waveguide opposite the first surface.

10. The optical device of claim 9 , wherein the second polymer coating comprises the same chromatic components as the first polymer coating.

11. 10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein the chromatic component is a first chromatic component and the second polymer coating includes a second chromatic component that absorbs at least 90% of one or more of the red, green, and blue light that is different from the first chromatic component.

12. 10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein the second polymer coating is on at least a portion of a second surface of the waveguide opposite at least one of the one or more patterned regions on the first surface of the waveguide.

13. 10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein the first polymer coating differs from the second polymer coating in one or more of thickness, composition, density, transparency, color, and color absorption.

14. 10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein the first polymer coating is on at least two discontinuous regions of the first surface and the second polymer coating is continuous on the second surface.

15. 1. An optical device comprising: a waveguide, the waveguide including one or more patterned regions and one or more non-patterned regions on one or more surfaces of the waveguide; a polymer coating on at least a portion of at least one non-patterned region of at least one surface of the waveguide, the polymer coating including a chromatic component that absorbs at least 90% of one or more of red, green, and blue light traveling through the waveguide; Equipped with the polymer coating is a first polymer coating on a first surface of the waveguide, the optical device including a second polymer coating, the second polymer coating on at least a portion of the first surface of the waveguide different from the first polymer coating, the chromatic component is a first chromatic component, and the second polymer coating includes a second chromatic component that absorbs at least 90% of one or more of the red, green, and blue light different from the first chromatic component.

16. The optical device of claim 1 , wherein the polymer coating has substantially the same refractive index as the waveguide.

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