Holographic Wavefront Splitter Layout for Zero-Order Light Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holographic systems suffer from unwanted zero-order DC light, which manifests as a bright spot in the center of the replay field, detracting from the image quality and limiting viewer flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A holographic wavefront splitter and recombiner system that separates and redirects unwanted zero-order DC light away from the central axis, while guiding modulated light portions in parallel directions for recombination, ensuring the viewer sees a bright, flexible image without the bright spot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a holographic wavefront splitter is used to remove zero-order DC light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavefront splitter divides the incoming holographic wavefront into multiple portions (first portion containing zero-order DC light, second and third portions containing modulated light) and directs them through different optical paths. This segmentation allows selective removal of the unwanted zero-order component while preserving the useful modulated light portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The discontinuity in the wavefront splitter specifically extracts and removes the zero-order DC light portion from the holographic wavefront. By creating a physical gap or discontinuity at the focal plane, the system isolates and eliminates the unwanted central bright spot while allowing other portions of the wavefront to continue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If zero-order DC light is removed from the holographic wavefront, then viewer flexibility is improved, but light intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wavefront recombiner merges the second and third portions of the modulated light back together after they have been separately directed through the optical system. This recombination restores the full light intensity for the useful holographic information while maintaining the benefit of zero-order light removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful effect of zero-order DC light (which causes a bright spot that reduces image quality and viewer flexibility) into a benefit by selectively removing it. The removal process, while reducing total light intensity, improves image quality and allows viewers to move freely without losing image content.
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 system effectively removes zero-order DC light, enhancing image quality and allowing viewers to move freely without losing image content, particularly suitable for head-up displays and holographic projectors.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of replay fields are formed by a display device comprising an array of pixels because the image reconstruction process is diffractive
Implementation Method 2
The input side comprises a first reflector arranged to direct the first portion of the holographic wavefront away from the first plane in a first direction, a second reflector arranged to direct a second portion of the holographic wavefront away from the first plane in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction
Implementation Method 3
Removal of the DC light may be achieved using a discontinuity in the holographic wavefront splitter, which may comprise a slit, opening, barrier or blockade in or on an input surface of the holographic wavefront splitter
Implementation Method 4
Light scattered from an object contains both amplitude and phase information. This amplitude and phase information can be captured on, for example, a photosensitive plate by well-known interference techniques to form a holographic recording
Data Source
AI summary
A device for processing a holographic wavefront, the device includes a holographic wavefront splitter having an input side arranged to receive a holographic wavefront on a first plane and divide the holographic wavefront into first and second portions. The input side includes a first reflector arranged to direct the first portion away from the first plane in a first direction, a second reflector arranged to direct the second portion away from the first plane in a second direction, and a discontinuity between the first reflector and second reflector. The discontinuity is arranged to receive and nullify a third portion of the holographic wavefront. The first and second reflectors are arranged to direct the first and second portions to an input side of a holographic wavefront recombiner. The holographic wavefront recombiner is arranged such that the first and second portions are recombined at an output side of the holographic wavefront recombiner.