Complex Spatial Light Modulator for 3D Display Amplitude Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D image display apparatuses using binocular parallax method cause eye fatigue and are limited in providing natural stereoscopy, and existing holographic devices require complex and costly polarization-dependent optical elements to control both amplitude and phase of light, leading to image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A complex spatial light modulator comprising a spatial light modulator unit, a prism array, and a diffracting element that combines light along a single optical axis, allowing for independent modulation of both amplitude and phase of light, preventing degradation due to twin images or speckles, and is polarization-independent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a holographic optical element (Bragg grating) is used to control amplitude of light, then amplitude control is achieved, but the device becomes polarization-dependent requiring additional polarizing optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the amplitude modulation function (holographic optical element) and phase modulation function (spatial light modulator) into a single integrated device. The complex spatial light modulator incorporates both functionalities, eliminating the need for separate polarizing optical elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining amplitude control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex spatial light modulator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it modulates both amplitude and phase of light, and also handles polarization control. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate optical elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision for amplitude control.
2Manufacturing precision
If polarization-dependent optical elements are used to control light amplitude, then amplitude control is achieved, but manufacturing cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the amplitude control function into the complex spatial light modulator that uses liquid crystal technology, the patent eliminates the need for separate polarization-dependent optical elements. Liquid crystal-based complex spatial light modulators can control amplitude without requiring additional polarizers or half-wave plates, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and difficulty while maintaining amplitude control precision.
3Device complexity
If only one of luminance or phase of light is controlled, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality degrades due to zero-order diffraction light, twin images, or speckles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges phase modulation capability and amplitude modulation capability into a single complex spatial light modulator device. This integration allows simultaneous control of both phase and amplitude without requiring separate devices, thereby maintaining high image quality (avoiding zero-order diffraction, twin images, and speckles) while not significantly increasing overall device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If current holographic optical elements are used, then amplitude control is achieved, but the photopolymer function degrades over time causing optical performance to decay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from photopolymer-based holographic optical elements to liquid crystal-based complex spatial light modulators. Liquid crystals do not suffer from photopolymer degradation over time, thereby maintaining optical performance stability and reliability while still achieving precise amplitude control through the liquid crystal's ability to modulate light properties electrically.
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
Enables the creation of high-quality, realistic 3D images by simultaneously modulating phase and amplitude of light, reducing eye fatigue and complexity, while being suitable for slim form factors like flat panel displays.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator unit that modulates a phase of light
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal layer; a first pixel of a first line and a second pixel of a second line among pixels of the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 3
a prism array that is disposed next to the spatial light modulator, wherein a prism unit having a first prism surface and second prism surface is arranged in the prism array; first light that is refracted at the first prism surface and second light that is refracted at the second prism surface
Implementation Method 4
a diffracting element is provided that diffracts light that has passed through the prism array, wherein first light that is refracted at the first prism surface and second light that is refracted at the second prism surface is combined along a single optical axis when transmitted through the diffracting element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A complex spatial light modulator and a three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus including the complex spatial light modulator are provided. The complex spatial light modulator includes: a spatial light modulator that modulates a phase of light; a prism array including a plurality of prism units, each of the plurality of prism units including a first prism surface and second prism surface, where light from the spatial light modulator is incident on the prism array; and a diffracting element that diffracts light that has passed through the prism array.