Complex Spatial Light Modulator for 3D Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D image displays using binocular parallax can cause eye fatigue and fail to provide a natural 3D effect due to limited viewpoint changes, and existing devices that control only one aspect of light (amplitude or phase) result in degraded image quality with issues like zero-order diffracted light and twin images.
Innovation Solution
A complex spatial light modulator that includes a spatial light modulator, a prism array with distinct prism sections, and a diffractive device to simultaneously control the amplitude and phase of light, ensuring phase differences and optimal diffraction efficiency for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a device controls only one aspect of light (amplitude or phase), then the device complexity is reduced, but the image quality deteriorates due to zero-order diffracted light, twin images, and speckles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines amplitude modulation and phase modulation functions into a single integrated optical system. The spatial light modulator modulates light amplitude, while the prism array simultaneously modulates light phase, and both effects are merged to achieve complex amplitude and phase control of light waves, eliminating the need for separate devices and improving image quality by reducing unwanted diffraction effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical system consisting of multiple components with different functions: a spatial light modulator for amplitude control, a prism array for phase control, and a diffractive device for additional phase modulation. This composite structure enables simultaneous control of both amplitude and phase of light, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and image quality.
2Device complexity
If binocular parallax is used for 3D image display, then the device complexity is reduced, but the viewer experience deteriorates due to eye fatigue and limited viewpoint changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light wave control from single-dimensional (amplitude or phase only) to two-dimensional (both amplitude and phase simultaneously). By using the spatial light modulator for amplitude modulation and the prism array for phase modulation, the system creates more realistic 3D images with natural viewpoint changes, eliminating eye fatigue while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If the thickness of prism sections is increased to improve phase modulation, then the phase control capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase modulation function across multiple components: the prism array provides primary phase modulation through its geometric structure, while the diffractive device provides additional phase control. This segmentation allows each component to have optimized, manageable thickness parameters rather than requiring a single thick component, reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining effective phase control capability.
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 enables the creation of high-quality, realistic 3D images by effectively modulating both amplitude and phase of light, reducing eye fatigue and enhancing the naturalness of 3D effects while preventing image degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to modulate an amplitude of a light beam
Implementation Method 2
a prism array disposed on an optical path after the spatial light modulator and including an array of prism sets each prism set including a first prism section, a flat portion, and a second prism section
Implementation Method 3
a diffractive device configured to diffract light that has passed through the prism array
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a complex spatial light modulator and a three-dimensional (3D) image display including the same. The complex spatial light modulator includes a spatial light modulator configured to modulate a phase of a light beam, a prism array disposed after the spatial light modulator and including an array of prism portions each having a first prism surface and a second prism surface, and a diffractive device configured to diffract a light beam that has passed through the prism array. Accordingly, both the phase and amplitude of the light beam may be modulated.