Multi-Pass Electroactive Optical Cell for Extended Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) systems, face challenges in extending optical path length (OPL) to address issues like vergence-accommodation conflict, limited image resolution, and the need for vision correction, particularly for users with presbyopia, due to fixed focal lengths and inadequate refractive error correction.
Innovation Solution
An optical device incorporating electroactive optical cells and optical path extenders, utilizing semi-transparent mirrors, quarter-wave plates, and polarization selective elements to allow light to pass through the cells multiple times, thereby extending the OPL and adjusting phase profiles to improve optical performance and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light passes through electroactive optical cells multiple times using optical path extenders, then optical path length is extended and image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing electroactive optical cells between semi-transparent mirrors and polarization selective elements, creating a compact multi-pass optical system where light traverses the same cell multiple times in opposite directions. This nested arrangement extends the optical path length without proportionally increasing the physical footprint, thereby improving image resolution while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes polarization dimension to enable multiple passes of light through the same optical path. By employing polarization selective elements and quarter-wave plates, the system directs light through the electroactive optical cell in alternating forward and backward directions based on polarization state. This dimensional approach to light manipulation extends the optical path length without requiring a linear expansion of the physical device structure.
2Loss of time
If electroactive optical cells are made thinner to reduce response time, then response time decreases, but optical path length shortens which may affect optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by implementing a multi-pass optical configuration where light traverses the electroactive optical cell repeatedly in alternating directions. The polarization selective elements and quarter-wave plates maintain the light's coherence and directionality across multiple passes, ensuring that each pass contributes to the total optical path length. This continuous multi-pass traversal compensates for the reduced thickness of the electroactive optical cell, maintaining adequate optical path length while achieving faster response times.
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 solution enhances optical performance by increasing OPL while reducing cell thickness, improving response time, and enabling adjustable focal lengths and higher image resolution, addressing user discomfort and vision correction needs in AR/VR systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electroactive optical cell configured to adjust a phase profile of light
Implementation Method 2
The optical path extender may include at least one of a semi-transparent mirror
Implementation Method 3
The optical path extender may include at least one of a semi-transparent mirror, a quarter-wave plate (QWP)
Implementation Method 4
The polarization selective element may include at least one of a polarizing beam splitter (PBS)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is provided. The optical device includes a display apparatus including the same, and a method of extending an optical path. The optical device includes at least one electroactive optical cell configured to adjust a phase profile of light, and an optical path extender to extend an optical path by allowing light to transmit through the at least one electroactive optical cell in opposite directions a plurality of times.