Coupling Lens Pupil Alignment for Replicator In-Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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, using different angles in the x and y directions for independent replication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the entrance port of the replicator is positioned at the focal length of the coupling lens, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but misalignment between chief rays and pupil positions causes coupling losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameters of the chief rays by introducing an optical element (such as a beam splitter or mirror) that redirects the light paths. By adjusting these angular parameters, the chief rays are oriented to match the displaced pupil position at the replicator entrance port, resolving the misalignment issue while maintaining the focal length positioning for optimal coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the misalignment problem by introducing a spatial dimension adjustment through the coupling lens system. By forming pupils at different positions in the z-direction (depth dimension) corresponding to different chief ray angles, the system creates a three-dimensional matching between the ray directions and pupil locations, enabling precise alignment even when entrance ports are displaced.
2Loss of energy
If chief ray angles are manipulated to match pupil position and size, then coupling efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling lens as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the replicator. This lens simplifies the overall system by consolidating the functions of beam direction control and pupil formation into a single component, rather than requiring multiple separate optical elements to achieve the same chief ray angle manipulation and alignment.
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, improving optical performance and reducing coupling losses.
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 first one-dimensional replicator is arranged to replicate light in the first (x) direction
Data Source
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.