Folded Optical Path for Compact Hologram Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems capable of forming a long optical path are bulky, making them unsuitable for miniaturized commercial display products such as wearable or portable devices, which require a compact form factor for hologram displays and reconstruction systems.
Innovation Solution
The optical system incorporates a polarizing beam splitter with sequentially arranged quarter wave plates, half mirrors, and a reflective polarizer in specific directions to create a folding optical structure that lengthens the optical path while minimizing physical size, allowing for a miniaturized hologram display and reconstruction system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If an optical system forms a long optical path, then the optical functions (expansion of display area, Fourier transform, noise removal) are improved, but the form factor becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a folded optical path configuration where light travels through multiple reflections between mirrors and beam splitters, transitioning from a straight linear path to a multi-dimensional folded path. This allows the optical path length to extend in multiple spatial dimensions rather than a single direction, achieving long optical path length while maintaining compact overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components (mirrors, beam splitters, quarter wave plates) are arranged in a nested configuration where the optical path folds back on itself multiple times within a compact volume. The light path is contained within a nested structure of optical elements, allowing the optical path to be elongated while the physical envelope remains small.
2Area of stationary object
If an optical system is miniaturized for commercial display products, then the form factor is reduced, but the ability to form a long optical path is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By using a folded optical path with multiple reflections, the system achieves an optical path length that is effectively longer than the physical device dimensions. The light traverses a multi-dimensional path through the compact arrangement of mirrors and beam splitters, decoupling the optical path length from the physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses a dynamic arrangement of polarizing beam splitters and quarter wave plates that manipulate the polarization state of light to control the optical path. The polarization-based routing allows the light to follow a complex folded path through the compact structure, achieving long optical path length in a miniaturized form factor suitable for wearable displays.
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
This configuration enables the formation of a long optical path within a compact size, enabling the creation of miniaturized hologram display systems that can reconstruct high-quality holograms, suitable for commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizing beam splitter for reflecting a light wave when the light wave is horizontally polarized or transmitting a light wave when the light wave is vertically polarized
Implementation Method 2
a second quarter wave plate, a half mirror, and a first quarter wave plate, sequentially arranged in a first direction from the polarizing beam splitter
Implementation Method 3
a third quarter wave plate and a first mirror, sequentially arranged in a second direction from the polarizing beam splitter, a fourth quarter wave plate and a second mirror, sequentially arranged in a third direction from the polarizing beam splitter
Implementation Method 4
a second quarter wave plate, a half mirror, and a first quarter wave plate, sequentially arranged in a first direction from the polarizing beam splitter
Implementation Method 5
a reflective polarizer arranged in a fourth direction from the polarizing beam splitter, the first direction is a direction opposite to a direction in which the light wave is input
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for hologram displays is disclosed. According to an embodiment of a present disclosure, the optical system comprising a polarizing beam splitter for reflecting a light wave when the light wave is horizontally polarized or transmitting a light wave when the light wave is vertically polarized, a second quarter wave plate, a half mirror, and a first quarter wave plate, sequentially arranged in a first direction from the polarizing beam splitter, a third quarter wave plate and a first mirror, sequentially arranged in a second direction from the polarizing beam splitter, a fourth quarter wave plate and a second mirror, sequentially arranged in a third direction from the polarizing beam splitter, which is a direction opposite to the second direction and a reflective polarizer arranged in a fourth direction from the polarizing beam splitter.