Gradient Index Optical Structures for Compact Near-Eye Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing optical systems for devices like virtual and augmented reality headsets is challenging due to the potential for bulkiness and unsightly components, and existing materials fail to achieve desired optical performance without compromising size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating gradient index (GRIN) materials in optical components such as input coupling prisms and lenses to minimize volume while maintaining optical performance, compensating for dispersion and aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional optical materials and components are used in near-eye displays, then optical performance can be maintained, but the device becomes bulky and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional homogeneous optical materials to gradient index (GRIN) materials with spatially varying refractive indices. This parameter change in the material properties enables compact optical component design while maintaining required optical performance for near-eye displays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating GRIN materials with waveguide structures and coupling prisms. These composite optical systems combine different material properties to achieve both miniaturization and high optical performance, resolving the contradiction between compact size and optical quality
2Volume of moving object
If optical components are miniaturized to reduce device size, then device compactness improves, but optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the refractive index parameter from constant to gradient-based spatial distribution, the patent achieves miniaturization of optical components without sacrificing performance. The gradient index profile compensates for the reduced component size, maintaining optical precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing spatially varying refractive indices within optical materials. Different regions of the material have different optical properties tailored to specific functional requirements, enabling compact design while preserving local optical performance
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 use of GRIN materials reduces the size of optical systems while ensuring high optical performance and mitigating dispersion effects, allowing for seamless integration of virtual and real-world images.
Implementation Method 1
The GRIN material may have a gradient refractive index that varies in one or more gradient directions
Implementation Method 2
In addition, the GRIN materials may compensate for dispersion and aberrations in the optical system
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a waveguide with an input coupler and an output coupler. The input coupler may receive the image light from imaging optics. The input coupler may be an input coupling prism and the imaging optics may include lens elements. World light may be viewable at an eye box through the output coupler. Biasing, compensation, and/or prescription lenses may overlap the output coupler. The input coupling prism, the lens elements in the imaging optics, and/or one or more of the biasing, compensation, and prescription lenses may be formed from gradient index (GRIN) material. The GRIN material may have a gradient refractive index that varies in one or more gradient directions. Use of GRIN materials may minimize the volume required to form the device without sacrificing optical performance. In addition, the GRIN materials may compensate for dispersion and aberrations in the device.