Non-Telecentric Emissive Micro-Pixel Light Modulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spatial light modulators (SLMs) are limited by their telecentric light emission, leading to bulky projection systems and 3D displays with cross-talk distortions, as well as high costs and complexity due to the need for directional backlight units with narrow spectral bandwidth and high collimation.
Innovation Solution
A non-telecentric emissive micro-pixel light modulator is developed, combining emissive micro-pixel arrays with monolithically fabricated pixel-level micro optical elements to achieve directional modulation of light, enabling smaller projection optics and reduced cross-talk in 3D displays, using wafer-level optics and semiconductor dielectric materials for precise alignment and fabrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If telecentric light emission is used in spatial light modulators, then light modulation is achieved, but the projection system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing directional modulation at the pixel level through micro optical elements. Each pixel in the emissive array is equipped with its own micro lens or waveguide structure that controls light emission direction locally, rather than requiring global telecentric alignment of the entire system. This local directional control enables non-telecentric emission while maintaining modulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from telecentric (one-dimensional perpendicular emission) to non-telecentric (multi-dimensional angular emission) light output by introducing angular dimension control through micro optical elements. This dimensional change allows light to be emitted at various angles relative to the pixel array plane, enabling compact projection geometries without sacrificing modulation capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If telecentric light modulation is used, then image modulation is achieved, but cross-talk distortions occur in 3D displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local directional control at each pixel level using micro optical elements such as micro lenses or waveguides. This local quality approach ensures that light from each pixel is directed precisely along its intended path, preventing cross-talk between adjacent pixels or views in 3D displays, while maintaining the ability to achieve complex modulation patterns across the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces micro optical elements as intermediary structures between the emissive pixels and the external environment. These micro optical elements act as mediators that control and direct light propagation, enabling precise angular control and eliminating cross-talk distortions without requiring complex mechanical or optical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If directional backlight units with narrow spectral bandwidth and high collimation are used, then telecentric light modulation is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the light modulator itself emissive rather than relying on external backlight units. The emissive micro-pixel array generates its own light, and the directional control is achieved through integrated micro optical elements at each pixel. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external directional backlight units, reducing both manufacturing cost and system complexity while maintaining high collimation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light generation and directional control functions into a single integrated structure. The emissive pixels and micro optical elements are fabricated together in a monolithic or closely integrated configuration, combining what were previously separate components (backlight unit, collimation optics, modulation layer) into one unified device, thereby reducing cost and complexity.
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 solution results in a more compact and efficient projection system with minimal cross-talk and improved optical efficiency, enabling ultra-compact projectors and multi-view displays with enhanced brightness and uniformity across a wide viewing angle.
Implementation Method 1
The pixel level micro optical elements may be realized as refractive micro optical elements
Implementation Method 2
The pixel level micro optical elements may be realized as diffractive micro optical elements
Implementation Method 3
a first waveguide optically coupled to each of the emissive micro-pixels... a second waveguide optically coupled to the first waveguide and the emissive micro-pixels
Data Source
AI summary
Emissive micro-pixel spatial light modulators with non-telecentric emission are introduced. The individual light emission from each multi-color micro-scale emissive pixel is directionally modulated in a unique direction to enable application-specific non-telecentric emission pattern from the micro-pixel array of the emissive spatial light modulator. Design methods for directionally modulating the light emission of the individual micro-pixels using micro-pixel level optics are described. Monolithic wafer level optics methods for fabricating the micro-pixel level optics are also described. An emissive multi-color micro-pixel spatial light modulator with non-telecentric emission is used to exemplify the methods and possible applications of the present invention: ultra-compact image projector, minimal cross-talk 3D light field display, multi-view 2D display, and directionally modulated waveguide optics for see-through near-eye displays.