Bonded Wedge Optical Element for Near-Eye Display Chromatic Aberration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems, particularly in augmented reality and virtual reality applications, face challenges with bulky optical elements for compensating linear chromatic aberration, which occupy valuable space and impose geometrical constraints, while electronic compensation methods consume more power and fail to address chromatic dispersion and point spread issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical element comprising two wedge components made of different transparent materials with varying refractive indices and Abbe numbers, oriented such that their outer surfaces are parallel, is interposed between the image projector and light-guide optical element to compensate for linear chromatic aberration, minimizing bulk and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional prisms are used to compensate for linear chromatic aberration, then chromatic aberration compensation is achieved, but the optical element becomes bulky and occupies valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating optical element is divided into multiple wedge components (first wedge component and second wedge component) with different refractive indices and Abbe numbers. Each wedge component contributes to chromatic aberration compensation through its specific dispersion properties, allowing the overall compensation function to be achieved with reduced individual component sizes and reduced total volume compared to traditional single-prism solutions.
2Reliability
If traditional prisms are used to compensate for linear chromatic aberration, then chromatic aberration compensation is achieved, but geometrical constraints are imposed on system design
Solution Approach 1:
Each wedge component is designed with specific local optical properties (different refractive indices and Abbe numbers) optimized for its position in the optical path. The first wedge component and second wedge component have tailored dispersion characteristics that collectively provide chromatic aberration compensation while maintaining a compact form factor and minimizing geometrical constraints on the overall system architecture.
3Volume of stationary object
If electronic compensation is used to correct system color aberration, then flexibility and space savings are achieved, but power consumption increases and chromatic dispersion issues remain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic compensation mechanisms with a purely optical solution using wedge components. This substitution eliminates the need for power-consuming electronic processing while maintaining compact form factor. The optical wedges passively compensate for chromatic aberration through their material properties and geometric configuration, avoiding both the power consumption and chromatic dispersion limitations of electronic approaches.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic compensation is used to correct system color aberration, then flexibility is achieved, but chromatic dispersion and point spread issues cannot be addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite optical materials with different refractive indices and Abbe numbers in the wedge components. This composite approach enables simultaneous correction of multiple chromatic aberration types including chromatic dispersion and point spread issues. The combination of materials with complementary dispersion properties provides comprehensive chromatic correction that electronic methods cannot achieve, while maintaining design flexibility through optical rather than electronic means.
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 solution effectively compensates for linear chromatic aberration, maintaining a compact form factor and reducing power consumption, while addressing chromatic dispersion and point spread issues, thus enhancing the performance of optical systems without significant geometrical constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a first wedge component formed from a first transparent material having a first refractive index and a first Abbe number, the first wedge component having a first outer surface inclined at a wedge angle to a first bonding surface
Implementation Method 2
Optical materials' refractive index depends on the incident ray wavelength. Typical glass dispersion exhibits lower refractive index for longer wavelengths.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element (24) for compensating for chromatic aberration includes two wedge components (26, 28), each having different refractive indices and Abbe numbers. The two wedge components have the same wedge angle, and are bonded together oriented such that the outer surfaces are parallel to each other. The optical element (24) can be integrated in the optical path between an image projector (14) and a waveguide (12) in order to compensate for linear chromatic aberration introduced by a face-curve angle and/or pantoscopic tilt of the waveguide of a near-eye display.