Wavelength-Selective Beam Deflector for Compact 3D Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam deflectors for 3D displays face challenges with spatial multiplexing, which results in a bulky system, and time multiplexing requires a high response speed that is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A beam deflector design that includes multiple sub-deflectors and polarization conversion elements to sequentially deflect and convert polarization directions of light across different wavelength bands, allowing for efficient beam deflection without the need for high response speeds or bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatial multiplexing is used to deflect beams for each color by dividing space, then beam deflection for multiple wavelength bands is achieved, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wavelength band processing into a single integrated beam deflector by stacking sub-deflectors with complementary polarization conversion elements. This merging approach allows simultaneous handling of multiple wavelength bands (e.g., red, green, blue) in one compact unit rather than requiring separate spatial paths for each color, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining full beam deflection capability across all wavelength bands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (using different spatial paths for different wavelengths) to a dimensional approach by stacking sub-deflectors in the depth dimension with polarization conversion elements. This allows multiple wavelength bands to be processed sequentially through the stack rather than requiring separate spatial channels, effectively converting a spatial problem into a dimensional stacking solution that reduces system footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If time multiplexing is used to divide time for beam deflection adjustment, then beam deflection for multiple wavelength bands is achieved, but the response speed requirement becomes three times higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beam deflection function into multiple sub-deflectors, each dedicated to a specific wavelength band (e.g., first sub-deflector for red, second for green, third for blue). Each sub-deflector operates independently and simultaneously on its assigned wavelength band, eliminating the need for rapid time-multiplexed switching. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its own optimal speed rather than requiring the entire system to respond three times faster
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization conversion elements (such as half-wave plates or quarter-wave plates) as intermediaries between the light source and the sub-deflectors. These intermediaries convert the polarization state of incoming light to match the specific requirements of each sub-deflector, enabling simultaneous independent operation of multiple wavelength band processors without requiring high-speed temporal multiplexing or polarization switching
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 proposed beam deflector design achieves efficient beam deflection across multiple wavelength bands with reduced size and without the need for high response speeds, improving the performance of 3D displays.
Implementation Method 1
a first sub deflector configured to deflect light of a first wavelength band in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction, and convert a polarization direction of the light of the first wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a first sub deflector configured to deflect light of a first wavelength band... and a second sub deflector configured to deflect light of a second wavelength band
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a beam deflector including a first sub deflector configured to deflect light of a first wavelength band in a first direction and a second direction that intersects the first direction, and convert a polarization direction of the light of the first wavelength band, and a second sub deflector configured to deflect light of a second wavelength band, that is different from the first wavelength band in the first direction and the second direction, and convert a polarization direction of the light of the second wavelength band, wherein the first sub deflector and the second sub deflector are sequentially provided such that the light of the first wavelength band and the light of the second wavelength band sequentially pass through the first sub deflector and the second sub deflector.