Optical waveguide with oblique-angle desposited thin films

Abstract

Described herein is a rotating cold plate assembly that includes a base configured to be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) to at least partially surround an electronic circuit disposed on the PCB. The cold plate assembly further includes a cold plate having a heat transfer surface configured to transfer heat from the electronic circuit to a cooling medium. The cold plate assembly also includes a hinge coupling the base and the cold plate. The hinge is configured to move the heat transfer surface into and away from thermal contact with the electronic circuit.

Description

Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE WITH OBLIQUE-ANGLE DESPOSITED THIN FILMS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The subject application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. US 63,667,536, filed on July 3, 2024. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. US 63,667,536 is incorporated herein by this reference. FIELD

[0002] This disclosure is directed to optical waveguides, such as those used in near-eye displays. BACKGROUND

[0003] Optical waveguides are implemented in a variety of environments to manipulate and direct beams of light. For example, many near-eye displays (NEDs) and heads-up displays (HUDs) (e.g., those used for virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) applications) utilize an optical waveguide to direct beams generated by a projector to a user’s eye. The beams are injected into the optical waveguide via at least one coupling-in element, propagate through the optical waveguide via total internal reflection (TIR), and exit the optical waveguide towards the user’s eye via one or more coupling-out elements. In many cases, the optical waveguide also expands the beams in one or more dimensions. In augmented reality (AR) environments, ambient beams (e.g., those from an environment of the optical waveguide) also travel through the optical waveguide to the user’s eye. Accordingly, in order to achieve desirable results, such applications require control of properties (e.g., reflectivity, chromaticity, and / or polarization) of the beams propagating within and / or through the optical waveguides. SUMMARY

[0004] An optical waveguide is described herein. The optical waveguide includes a pair of major surfaces that are parallel, a set of first facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, and partially reflective, and a set of second facets disposed between the majorDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) surfaces that are planar, parallel, partially reflective, and non-parallel with the first facets. The optical waveguide also includes one or more oblique-angle deposited (OAD) thin films.

[0005] A near-eye display is also described herein. The near-eye display includes the optical waveguide above.

[0006] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a near-eye display with an optical waveguide in accordance with this disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the optical waveguide of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate example angular reflectivity constraints for different angles of the facets within the optical waveguide of FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an example reflectivity profile as a function of incident angle of one of the facets of FIG. 3.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the facets of FIG. 2 formed with OAD thin films.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of one or more OAD thin films disposed between a set of first facets and a set of second facets within the optical waveguide of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of one or more OAD thin films disposed on major surfaces of the optical waveguide of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of an OAD thin film disposed on a substrate.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO)

[0015] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a plurality of OAD thin films or OAD thin film layers disposed on a substrate.

[0016] FIG. 8C illustrates an example of an OAD thin film disposed on a plurality of non-OAD thin films or non-OAD thin film layers.

[0017] FIG. 8D illustrates an example of a plurality of OAD thin films or OAD thin film layers interleaved with a plurality of non-OAD thin films or non-OAD thin film layers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

[0018] Performance results in many applications of optical waveguides are often tied to an ability to control various properties (e.g., reflectivity, chromaticity, and / or polarization) of light beams propagating within and / or through the optical waveguides. For example, if such properties are not properly controlled, various problems may result, such as errant light entering a user’s eye (e.g., artifacts), blurry images, or problems viewing an environment.

[0019] Described herein is an optical waveguide with oblique-angle deposited (OAD) thin films. The optical waveguide includes a pair of major surfaces that are parallel, a set of first facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, and partially reflective, and a set of second facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, partially reflective, and non-parallel with the first facets. The optical waveguide also includes one or more OAD thin films. The OAD thin films may be disposed on one or more of: facets within the optical waveguide, between sets of facets within the optical waveguide, and / or on one or more major surfaces of the optical waveguide.

[0020] Because OAD thin films are anisotropic, they also have effective refractive indices that are anisotropic. Accordingly, the OAD thin films disposed within the optical waveguide described herein allow for control and manipulation of polarization states of beams that are reflected by the OAD thin films or transmitted through the OAD thin films. Moreover, the directionality of the deposited structures of the OAD thin films described herein allows forDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) control of the refractive indices of the OAD thin films as a function of incident angle and wavelength.

[0021] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as particular structures, components, materials, dimensions, processing steps and techniques, in order to provide an understanding of the various embodiments of the present application. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments of the present application may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures or processing steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present application. Example Near-Eye Display

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a near-eye display 100 with an optical waveguide 102 in accordance with this disclosure. The near-eye display 100 is illustrated as a pair of eye glasses; however, the near-eye display 100 may take other forms without departing from the scope of this disclosure (e.g., HUD, single eye glass, monocle).

[0023] The near-eye display 100 includes a frame 104, the optical waveguide 102, and a projector 106. The optical waveguide 102 and / or the projector 106 may be supported by the frame 104.

[0024] The projector 106 is configured to produce light beams (e.g., those corresponding to images) for injection into the optical waveguide 102. There may be at least one coupling-in element (not shown), such as a prism, to facilitate the injection of the beams into the optical waveguide 102.

[0025] The optical waveguide 102 includes two major surfaces that are flat and parallel to one another and configured to cause the injected beams from the projector 106 to reflect therebetween due to total internal reflection (TIR). The optical waveguide 102 includes a first region 108 that includes a set of first facets (not shown) and a second region 110 that includes a set of second facets (not shown). The first region 108 (e.g., the set of first facets) is configured to expand the beams in the Y-dimension while also redirecting the beams in the X-dimensionDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) towards the second region 110. The second region 110 (e.g., the set of second facets) is configured to expand the beams in the X-dimension while also redirecting the beams out of the optical waveguide 102 in the Z-dimension (e.g., couples the beams out of the optical waveguide 102). The facets are described further below.

[0026] It should be noted that the illustrated example has another optical waveguide and another projector (e.g., to the left of the optical waveguide 102 and projector 106). As the other waveguide and projector may be similar to the optical waveguide 102 and the projector 106, respectively, those will not be discussed herein. For example, there may be a left and a right optical waveguide (e.g., for left and right eyes of a user) with corresponding projectors. Furthermore, the projector 106 may be configured to supply beams for injection into both optical waveguides. Accordingly, the configuration of the near-eye display 100 may vary without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Example Optical Waveguide

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the optical waveguide 102. As discussed above, the optical waveguide 102 includes major surfaces 200 (e.g., major surface 200a and major surface 200b). The major surfaces 200 are flat and parallel to one another.

[0028] The optical waveguide 102 includes the first region 108 and the second region 110. The first region 108 includes the set of first facets 202 configured to receive the beams from the projector 106 and expand the beams in the Y-direction while also redirecting the beams towards the second region 110. The second region 110 includes a set of second facets 204 configured to receive the beams from the first facets 202 and expand the beams in the X-direction while also redirecting the beams out of the optical waveguide 102. In some implementations, however, the second facets 204 may not couple the beams out of the optical waveguide 102 (e.g., the coupling out may be performed via other optical elements).

[0029] There may be a transition surface 206 (or transition plane) between the first region 108 and the second region 110. The transition surface 206 may be oriented at any angle (e.g., perpendicular to the major surfaces 200 and aligned to the Y-direction, as shown).Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO)

[0030] The facets (e.g., the set of first facets 202 and the set of second facets 204) are partially reflective optical elements or surfaces. The facets are configured to have various optical properties, as discussed below. The facets of each set (e.g., the first facets 202 or the second facets 204) are parallel to one another. The first facets 202 and / or the second facets 204 may be oblique to the major surfaces 200. For example, the first facets 202 may be perpendicular to the major surfaces 200 (e.g., aligned in the Z-direction). Furthermore, first facets 202 and / or the second facets 204 may be perpendicular to surfaces other than the major surfaces 200 or may be oblique to the other surfaces. For example, the second facets 204 may be perpendicular to an end surface of the optical waveguide 102 (e.g., aligned in the Y-direction). Example Facet Configuration

[0031] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate example angular reflectivity constraints for different angles of the second facets 204 within the optical waveguide 102. The second facets 204 are shown to illustrate the coupling-out aspects; however, similar principals apply to the first facets 202.

[0032] As discussed above, the second facets 204 are configured for 1-D expansion (e.g., in the X-direction). To achieve the expansion (as well as beam redirection) of the beams, the second facets 204 conform to various reflectivity and transmittivity constraints based on their angular range.

[0033] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate three different angular regimes, respectively, for the second facets 204. The angular range of the second facets 204 in FIG. 3A is approximately 20-30 degrees; the angular range of the second facets 204 in FIG. 3B is approximately 30-40 degrees; and the angular range of the second facets 204 in FIG. 3C is approximately 50-70 degrees. For each angular regime of the second facets 204 (e.g., FIG. 3A, 3B, or 3C), required angular ranges for reflectivity and transmissivity of the second facets 204 are shown. Furthermore, angular ranges of required transmission for clear world scenery viewing are also shown for each angular regime.

[0034] Thus, the second facets 204 are configured for various optical properties depending upon the angle of the second facets 204 relative to the optical waveguide 102. The first facets 202 areDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) also configured for similar optical properties (although they may be different from the second facets) depending upon the angle of the first facets 202 relative to the optical waveguide 102.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an example reflectivity profile as a function of incident angle of one of the second facets 204. The principles of FIG. 4 are applicable to the first facets 202 (although values may be different).

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a curve of reflectivity vs incident angle for the second facet 204, averaged over all wavelengths, for the angular range of FIG. 3A. In the illustrated example, uniform reflectivity at incident angles of 15-30 degrees and transmission of light at incident angles of 65-85 degrees may be desired to achieve good optical properties.

[0037] Accordingly, each set of facets are configured for respective optical properties, such as reflectivity and transmissivity, polarization, and / or chromacity. The properties may change between the sets of facets and / or based on disposed angles of the facets and / or other aspects of the configuration of the optical waveguide 102. Example OAD Thin Film Locations

[0038] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate example locations within the optical waveguide 102 where OAD thin films may be deposited. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of optical waveguide 102 where the first facets 202 and the second facets 204 are formed with OAD thin films deposited thereon. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the optical waveguide 102 where one or more OAD thin films are disposed between the first region 108 (e.g., the set of first facets 202) and the second region 110 (e.g., the set of second facets 204). FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the optical waveguide 102 where one or more OAD thin films are disposed on the major surfaces 200.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates the first facets 202 and the second facets 204 being formed of OAD thin films. The dotted areas indicate the OAD thin films, which may be deposited on a substrate to form the facets (or portions of the facets). The OAD thin films may be different within a set of facets and / or may be different between the sets of facets (e.g., to realize different optical properties). Furthermore, not all of the facets of a set may have OAD thin films and / or one of the sets of facets may have no OAD thin films.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO)

[0040] As discussed above, the facets are configured to have various optical properties. The OAD thin films may be configured to facilitate those properties. For example, the OAD thin films may be configured for certain reflectivity and transmissivity requirements (e.g., those of FIGS. 3 and 4), polarization, and / or chromacity. The properties may vary between facets of a set and / or between the sets of facets.

[0041] Alternatively, or in addition to controlling reflectivity and transmissivity, the OAD thin films of the facet(s) may be configured to control polarization. Since the polarization state of light is determined relative to a certain plane, the polarization of the beams will be different in relation to the first facets 202 and the second facets 204. In order to maintain the same polarization state between the facets, the OAD thin films of the facet(s) (or any other OAD thin film location discussed herein) may be configured to rotate the polarization. For example, the OAD thin films may be configured to apply a different refractive index in ordinary and extraordinary directions (effectively behaving as a waveplate). Alternatively, or additionally, the OAD thin films may be configured to scramble the polarization of the beams passing therethrough, such that the beams are adequately unpolarized throughout the optical waveguide 102.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates one or more OAD thin films disposed between the first region 108 (e.g., the set of first facets 202) and the second region 110 (e.g., the set of second facets 204). For example, the OAD thin film(s) may be deposited on the transition surface 206. Similar to FIG. 5, the dotted area indicates the OAD thin film(s), which may be deposited on a substrate. It should be noted that the example of FIG. 6 may be combined with the example of FIG. 5 and / or the example of FIG. 7.

[0043] The OAD thin film(s) in this example may be configured to control and / or scramble polarization of the beams passing therethrough (e.g., those reflected by the first facets 202). For example, the OAD thin film(s) on the transition surface 206 may be configured to rotate a polarization of incoming light, thereby behaving similarly to a waveplate. The transition surface 206 (or the OAD thin film(s) if they are not disposed on the transition surface 206) may be perpendicular to the major surfaces 200 or at an oblique angle to the major surfaces 200.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) Alternatively, or additionally, the transition surface 206 (or the OAD thin film(s) if not disposed on the transition surface 206) may be parallel to the first facets 202 or the second facets 204 or at an oblique angle to either of the facets. The OAD thin films may be different than those of the facets (if they are formed using OAD thin films).

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates one or more OAD thin films disposed on the major surfaces 200. Similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, the dotted areas indicate the OAD thin films, which may be deposited on a substrate. It should be noted that the example of FIG. 7 may be combined with the example of FIG. 5 and / or the example of FIG. 6. The OAD thin films may be different than those of the facets (if they are formed using OAD thin films) and / or the OAD thin film(s) on the transition surface 206 (or wherever they are disposed in accordance with FIG. 6).

[0045] In this implementation, the OAD thin film(s) may be applied to one or both of the major surfaces 200. The OAD thin film(s) may be configured to scramble polarization. Alternatively, or additionally, the OAD thin film(s) may be configured as anti-reflective coatings.

[0046] Although not shown, one or more OAD thin film(s) may also be used as a coupling-in element (e.g., mirror). In such implementations (which may be combined with one or more of the above examples), the OAD thin film(s) may be disposed between an aperture of the optical waveguide 102 and the first facets 202 and may be configured to control transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization control, and / or chromaticity of incident beams.

[0047] It should be noted that, although the above description is related to 2D expansion (e.g., two sets of facets), the optical waveguide 102 may only have one set of facets without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the single set of facets may be configured to receive the beams from the projector 106 and expand the beams in a direction while also redirecting the beams out of the optical waveguide 102. In such implementations, OAD thin film(s) may be disposed between an aperture of the optical waveguide 102 and the facets (e.g., as a coupling-in element and / or acting as a waveplate prior to the facets), disposed on one or more of the major surfaces 200, and / or form the facets.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO)

[0048] Similarly, the optical waveguide 102 may also have three or more sets of co-parallel facets. In such implementations, OAD thin film(s) may be disposed between an aperture of the optical waveguide 102 and a set of first facets, between any of the sets of facets, disposed on one or more of the major surfaces 200, and / or form any number of the facets. Example OAD Thin Films

[0049] FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate example configurations of OAD thin films in relation to a substrate (e.g., the facets described above are generally formed by depositing a film or layers of film on a substrate). The OAD thin films may correspond to any of the OAD thin films discussed above. Furthermore, the OAD thin films discussed above may take the form of a plurality of the following example configurations (e.g., one or more sets of the facets may be formed using one of the below configurations, and the transition surface 206 may be formed using another).

[0050] Although some of the layers may not be OAD thin film layers, the composite structure (if there is more than one layer on the substrate) may be considered as an OAD thin film in the context of the above disclosure. Film layers will be used below to simplify the description of the various embodiments. Each of the OAD layers is an anisotropic layer which is attached / deposited / coated on a carrier substrate, another OAD layer, or a non-OAD layer. OAD layers are characterized by small variations or modulations of the deposited material on a small size scale, substantially smaller than the wavelength of visible light, typically on the 10nm scale. As the name implies, the structures of the OAD layers (e.g., those formed of the deposited material) are deposited at an oblique angle relative to the underlying surface or layer. As such, the structures collectively form an anisotropic subwavelength structure, which can be contrasted with non-OAD layers which are uniform and isotropic in the directions of the underlying surface plane. The shapes of the structures of the OAD layer(s) are for illustration purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. The structures may vary in shape, size, and configuration without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0051] The various configurations of the OAD thin films may be used to realize the various optical properties discussed above. For example, one of the below configurations may be used toDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) realize the reflectivity and transmissivity requirements of the facets while another may be more suited as a polarization scrambler (e.g., on the transition surface 206).

[0052] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of an OAD layer disposed on a substrate. FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a plurality of OAD layers disposed on a substrate. FIG. 8C illustrates an example of an OAD layer disposed on a plurality of non-OAD layers. FIG. 8D illustrates an example of a plurality of OAD layers interleaved with a plurality of non-OAD layers.

[0053] FIG. 8A illustrates an OAD layer 800 deposited on a substrate 802. The OAD layer 800 may be deposited at any oblique angle with respect to the substrate. Furthermore, the thickness of the OAD layer 800 may vary without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 8B illustrates a plurality of OAD layers 800 (e.g., OAD layers 800a-800d) deposited on the substrate 802. Although the illustrated example shows four OAD layers, any number of OAD layers 800 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Each of the OAD layers 800 may be configured to have unique optical properties that, when combined to form the OAD thin film, form a composite structure with the desired optical properties.

[0055] The OAD layers 800 may be deposited at any respective oblique angles with respect to the substrate. For example, OAD layer 800a may be deposited with a different angle than OAD layer 800c. Furthermore, although the OAD layers alternate between acute and obtuse angles, two or more adjacent layers may have acute or obtuse angles relative to the substrate 802 (with varying angles).

[0056] The OAD layers 800 may also have any thickness. For example, the OAD layers 800 are shown as having different thicknesses. However, in some implementations, two or more of the OAD layers 800 may share a thickness (e.g., OAD layer 800a may have the same thickness as OAD layer 800b and / or OAD layer 800d).

[0057] FIG. 8C illustrates an OAD layer 800 deposited on a plurality of non-OAD layers 804 (e.g., non-OAD layers 804a-804d) that are deposited on the substrate 802. Although the illustrated example shows four non-OAD layers, any number of non-OAD layers 804 may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Each of the non-OAD layers 804 mayDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) be configured to have unique optical properties that, when combined with the OAD layer 800 to form the OAD thin film, form a composite structure with the desired optical properties.

[0058] The OAD layer 800 may have any thickness. The non-OAD layers 804 may also have any thickness. For example, the non-OAD layers 804 are shown as having different thicknesses. However, in some implementations, two or more of the non-OAD layers 804 may share a thickness (e.g., non-OAD layer 804a may have the same thickness as non-OAD layer 804b and / or non-OAD layer 804d). Each of the non-OAD layers 804 may have a unique refractive index (e.g., indicated by ^) and / or unique optical properties. Some of the non-OAD layers 804 may share one or more optical properties.

[0059] FIG. 8D illustrates a plurality of OAD layers 800 (e.g., OAD layers 800a-800d) interleaved with a plurality of non-OAD layers 804 (e.g., non-OAD layers 804a-804c) deposited on the substrate 802. In the illustrated example, an OAD layer 800 (e.g., the OAD layer 800d) is adjacent to the substrate 802; however, in some implementations, a non-OAD layer 804 may be adjacent to the substrate 802. Each of the OAD layers 800 and each of the non-OAD layers 804 may be configured to have unique optical properties that, when combined to form the OAD thin film, form a composite structure with the desired optical properties.

[0060] The OAD layers 800 may be deposited at any respective oblique angles with respect to the substrate. For example, OAD layer 800a may be deposited with a different angle than OAD layer 800c. Furthermore, although the OAD layers 800 alternate between acute and obtuse angles in the illustrated example, two or more adjacent OAD layers (with non-OAD layers 804 in between) may have acute or obtuse angles relative to the substrate 802 (with varying angles).

[0061] The OAD layers 800 may also have any thickness. For example, the OAD layers 800 are shown as having different thicknesses. However, in some implementations, two or more of the OAD layers 800 may share a thickness (e.g., OAD layer 800a may have the same thickness as OAD layer 800b and / or OAD layer 800d).

[0062] The non-OAD layers 804 may also have any thickness. For example, the non-OAD layers 804 are shown as having different thicknesses. However, in some implementations, twoDocket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) or more of the non-OAD layers 804 may share a thickness (e.g., non-OAD layer 804a may have the same thickness as non-OAD layer 804b and / or non-OAD layer 804d). Each of the non-OAD layers 804 may have a unique refractive index (e.g., indicated by ^) and / or unique optical properties. Some of the non-OAD layers 804 may share one or more optical properties. Each of the non-OAD layers 804 may have a unique refractive index (e.g., indicated by ^) and / or unique optical properties.

[0063] Accordingly, the OAD thin films that form one or more of the first facets 202, that form one or more of the second facets 204, are deposited on the transition surface 206, and / or that are deposited on one or more of the major surfaces 200 may be of any number of configurations using at least one OAD layer. Each of the OAD thin films may be configured to achieve various optical properties such as transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization control, and / or chromaticity depending upon location within the optical waveguide 102, target use / result to be achieved, characteristics of impinging light, and other factors. Examples

[0064] Example 1: An optical waveguide comprising: a pair of major surfaces that are parallel; a set of first facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, and partially reflective; a set of second facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, partially reflective, and non-parallel with the first facets; and one or more oblique-angle deposited (OAD) thin films.

[0065] Example 2: The optical waveguide of example 1, wherein the OAD thin films form the first facets or the second facets.

[0066] Example 3: The optical waveguide of example 1, wherein the OAD thin films form the first facets and the second facets.

[0067] Example 4: The optical waveguide of example 3, wherein the OAD thin films that form the first facets are configured to have different optical properties than the OAD thin films that form the second facets.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO)

[0068] Example 5: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein each of the OAD thin films are configured to have different refractive indices in ordinary and extraordinary directions.

[0069] Example 6: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein each of the OAD thin films are configured to control reflectivity and transmission at respective incident angles.

[0070] Example 7: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films are deposited on a substrate.

[0071] Example 8: The optical waveguide of example 7, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise a plurality of OAD layers deposited on the substrate.

[0072] Example 9: The optical waveguide of example 8, wherein the OAD layers are configured to have respective optical properties.

[0073] Example 10: The optical waveguide of any of examples 1-6, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise one or more OAD layers deposited on a non-OAD layer.

[0074] Example 11: The optical waveguide of any of examples 1-6, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise one or more OAD layers interleaved with one or more non-OAD layers.

[0075] Example 12: The optical waveguide of example 11, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise a plurality of OAD layers with respective optical properties.

[0076] Example 13: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein the OAD thin films comprise OAD thin films deposited on one or more of the major surfaces.

[0077] Example 14: The optical waveguide of example 13, wherein the OAD thin films deposited on one or more of the major surfaces are configured as anti-reflective coatings.

[0078] Example 15: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein the OAD thin films comprise an OAD thin film disposed between the set of first facets and the set of second facets.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO)

[0079] Example 16: The optical waveguide of example 15, wherein the OAD thin film disposed between the set of first facets and the set of second facets is configured to rotate polarizations of incident beams.

[0080] Example 17: The optical waveguide of example 15 or 16, wherein the OAD thin film disposed between the set of first facets and the set of second facets is perpendicular to the major surfaces.

[0081] Example 18: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films are configured to scramble polarization.

[0082] Example 19: The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein: the first facets are configured to partially reflect beams to the second facets; and the second facets are configured to partially reflect beams from the first facets out of the optical waveguide.

[0083] The optical waveguide of any preceding example, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films are configured to rotate polarizations of incident beams.

[0084] Example 20: A near-eye display comprising: the optical waveguide of any preceding example; a coupling-in element adjacent to the optical waveguide; and a projector configured to produce beams for injection into the optical waveguide via the coupling-in element.

[0085] Example 21: The near-eye display of example 20, wherein the near-eye display is formed as glasses. Conclusion

[0086] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Further, the terms up, upper, down, lower, above, below, left, right, forward, rearward, and the like are intended to be understood in the context of the representations described and illustrated above so that a wearable device may have such an orientation in reference to the frame or to various elements as supported by the frame or as illustrated in the drawing figures.

[0087] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements, if any, in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The various embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An optical waveguide comprising: a pair of major surfaces that are parallel; a set of first facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, and partially reflective; a set of second facets disposed between the major surfaces that are planar, parallel, partially reflective, and non-parallel with the first facets; and one or more oblique-angle deposited (OAD) thin films.

2. The optical waveguide of claim 1, wherein the OAD thin films are formed on the first facets or the second facets.

3. The optical waveguide of claim 1, wherein the OAD thin films are formed on the first facets and the second facets.

4. The optical waveguide of claim 3, wherein the OAD thin films that are formed on the first facets are configured to have different optical properties than the OAD thin films that are formed on the second facets.

5. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein each of the OAD thin films are configured to have different refractive indices in ordinary and extraordinary directions.

6. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein each of the OAD thin films are configured to control reflectivity and transmission at respective incident angles.

7. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films are deposited on a substrate.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) 8. The optical waveguide of claim 7, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise a plurality of OAD layers deposited on the substrate.

9. The optical waveguide of claim 8, wherein the OAD layers are configured to have respective optical properties.

10. The optical waveguide of any of claims 1-6, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise one or more OAD layers deposited on a non-OAD layer.

11. The optical waveguide of any of claims 1-6, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise one or more OAD layers interleaved with one or more non-OAD layers.

12. The optical waveguide of claim 11, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films comprise a plurality of OAD layers with respective optical properties.

13. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein the OAD thin films comprise OAD thin films deposited on one or more of the major surfaces.

14. The optical waveguide of claim 13, wherein the OAD thin films deposited on one or more of the major surfaces are configured as anti-reflective coatings.

15. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein the OAD thin films comprise an OAD thin film disposed between the set of first facets and the set of second facets.

16. The optical waveguide of claim 15, wherein the OAD thin film disposed between the set of first facets and the set of second facets is configured to rotate a polarization of incident beams.

17. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the OAD thin films are configured to scramble polarization.Docket: SSMP 45051 (Lumus 00187WO) 18. The optical waveguide of any preceding claim, wherein: the first facets are configured to partially reflect beams to the second facets; and the second facets are configured to partially reflect beams from the first facets out of the optical waveguide.

19. A near-eye display comprising: the optical waveguide of any preceding claim; a coupling-in element adjacent to the optical waveguide; and a projector configured to produce beams for injection into the optical waveguide via the coupling-in element.

20. The near-eye display of claim 19, wherein the near-eye display is formed as glasses.

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