Angle-Multiplexed PVGs for Independent Waveguide Resolution and FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide systems face challenges in simultaneously enhancing resolution and field of view (FOV) while maintaining consistent display quality, particularly in near-eye displays.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide system utilizing angle-multiplexing polarization volume gratings (PVGs) with input and output couplers optimized for different polarizations, allowing separate transfer and separation of image lights with distinct polarizations, enabling improved resolution and FOV without significant impact on each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single output coupler is used in the waveguide system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously enhance resolution and field of view while maintaining consistent display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The output coupler is segmented into multiple polarization-specific output couplers, each optimized for a specific polarization state. This segmentation allows independent optimization of coupling efficiency for different polarizations, enabling simultaneous enhancement of resolution and FOV while maintaining consistent display quality across different viewing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each polarization-specific output coupler is designed with local quality optimization tailored to its designated polarization state. The coupling parameters, grating structures, and optical properties are locally optimized for maximum efficiency with respect to the specific polarization they handle, thereby maintaining overall system consistency while accommodating diverse performance requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If angle-multiplexing polarization volume gratings are implemented, then resolution and FOV are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into the waveguide structure, including angle-multiplexing polarization volume gratings and polarization-specific output couplers. This merging integrates resolution enhancement and FOV expansion functions within a unified waveguide platform, achieving high performance while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the light guiding medium and the platform for implementing angle-multiplexing polarization volume gratings. This universal design allows the same structure to simultaneously achieve resolution enhancement, FOV expansion, and polarization management, reducing the need for separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves enhanced display quality by improving resolution and FOV, providing more design freedom and consistent light performance, with the potential for electrically adjustable image positioning and promotion of targeted content.
Implementation Method 1
an output coupler, provided at an output side of the waveguide and coupling the combined image light out of the waveguide... The first image light and the second image light have different polarizations
Implementation Method 2
undergoes total internal reflection (TIR) and pupil expansion
Implementation Method 3
a ray emerged from a display with certain field of view (FOV) is in-coupled to a waveguide (WG) by an input coupler grating (ICG)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide system with angle-multiplexing polarization volume gratings and an electronic device are disclosed. The system comprises: a waveguide; an input coupler coupling a combined image light for a combined image into the waveguide; and an output coupler coupling the combined image light out of the waveguide. The combined image light includes a first image light for a first image and a second image light for a second image, which are combined to form the combined image. The first image light and the second image light have different polarizations. The output coupler includes first and second output polarization volume gratings, which are optimized for different polarizations, respectively, wherein the first output polarization volume grating couples the first image light out of the waveguide, and the second output polarization volume grating couples the second image light out of the waveguide.