Chief Ray Angle Control for Replicator In-Coupling Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical efficiency in display systems is challenged by coupling losses at the entrance port of replicators, particularly in one- and two-dimensional replicators, due to misalignment of chief rays and pupil positions.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing chief ray angles to align pupils with the entrance ports of replicators by positioning the entrance port at the focal length of a coupling lens and manipulating chief ray directions to match the pupil shape and size, forming independent x and y pupils at different distances from the coupling lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the entrance port of the replicator is positioned at the focal length of the coupling lens, then the pupil can be formed at the correct plane, but coupling losses occur due to misalignment between chief rays and pupil position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by manipulating the angular parameters of chief rays (first angle in x-direction and second angle in y-direction) to optimize coupling. By adjusting these angular parameters, the system forms pupils at different z-distances from the coupling lens, enabling precise alignment with the replicator entrance port while minimizing coupling losses through optimal parameter selection.
2Productivity
If chief ray angles are manipulated to match pupil position and size, then coupling efficiency increases, but the system complexity increases due to multiple pupil formation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into independent x and y dimensional controls. By separately manipulating chief ray angles in the first (x) and second (y) directions, the system can independently position pupils in each dimension. This segmentation allows complex coupling optimization to be broken down into manageable independent adjustments, forming first and second pupils at different z-distances without requiring complex coordinated control.
3Reliability
If independent x and y pupils are formed at different distances from the coupling lens, then alignment with replicator entrance ports is optimized, but the optical path becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (z-distance from coupling lens) to the optical path management. By forming first and second pupils at different z-distances corresponding to different chief ray angles, the system leverages the depth dimension to achieve reliable alignment. This dimensional approach allows independent positioning of x and y pupils in the z-direction, simplifying the overall optical path design while maintaining high alignment reliability with the replicator entrance ports.
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
Significantly increases light coupling efficiency into replicators, enhancing optical performance and holographic reconstruction quality.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling lens is arranged to receive the optimised wavefront and form a first (x) pupil corresponding to the first (x) direction and a second (y) pupil corresponding to the second (y) direction
Implementation Method 2
The optimised wavefront comprises chief rays. Each chief ray comprises a first component and a second component. The first component is a first angle in a first (e.g. horizontal or x) direction and the second component is a second angle in a second (e.g. vertical or y) direction
Implementation Method 3
The first one-dimensional replicator is arranged to replicate light in the first (x) direction. An entrance port of the first one-dimensional replicator is substantially aligned with the first (x) pupil
Data Source
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AI summary
A display system comprising an optical sub-system, a coupling lens and a first one-dimensional replicator. The optical sub-system is arranged to form an optimised wavefront. The optimised wavefront comprises chief rays. Each chief ray comprises a first component and a second component. The first component is a first angle in a first direction and the second component is a second angle in a second direction. The second angle is a function of the second direction. The first angle may be zero or constant. The coupling lens is arranged to receive the optimised wavefront and form a first pupil corresponding to the first direction and a second pupil corresponding to the second direction. The second pupil is displaced from the first pupil owing to a difference between the first angle and second angle. That is, the first and second pupil are formed on different planes in the z-direction. For example, the second pupil may be downstream of the first pupil. An entrance port of a first one-dimensional replicator is substantially aligned with the first pupil.