Optical waveguide unit, array, and flat lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face limitations in large-field and large-aperture imaging displays due to optical aberrations and inefficiencies in light energy utilization, particularly in naked-eye 3D displays, which suffer from light loss and uneven light intensity at different viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide unit employs a structure with total reflection layers and sub-waveguides arranged orthogonally, utilizing multiple types of total reflection layers to modulate light at various angles, improving light collection efficiency and uniformity across viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single type of total reflection layer is used in the optical waveguide unit, then the structure is simple, but light energy loss increases and viewing angle uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical waveguide unit is segmented into multiple sub-waveguides (first, second, third sub-waveguides) with different orientations, each handling specific angle ranges of incident light. This segmentation allows optimized light collection for different viewing angles while maintaining overall structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
Different types of total reflection layers (first, second, third total reflection layers) are selectively placed in different regions and orientations within the waveguide unit. Each layer type has specific optical properties optimized for particular incident angle ranges, achieving local optimization of light collection efficiency across the entire viewing angle range
2Productivity
If total reflection layers are added to reduce light loss, then light energy utilization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sub-waveguides and total reflection layers are merged into a single integrated optical waveguide unit with unified substrate. The different components work synergistically to collect light from various angles simultaneously, improving overall light collection efficiency without requiring separate devices for different viewing angles
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle incident light across a broad spectrum of angles (from near-normal to oblique incidence) through a single structure. The combination of differently oriented sub-waveguides and total reflection layers enables the unit to serve multiple viewing angle ranges simultaneously
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 design enhances light energy utilization and uniformity, reducing light loss and achieving improved imaging quality and 3D display capabilities, including naked-eye 3D holographic displays.
Implementation Method 1
at least one group of total reflection layers, each group including at least one type of total reflection layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical waveguide unit, an optical waveguide array including optical waveguide units, and a flat lens including optical waveguide arrays. The optical waveguide unit includes: at least one group of total reflection layers, each group including at least one type of total reflection layer, and each type of total reflection layer including at least one single total reflection layer; and at least two sub-waveguides, one group being arranged between every two adjacent sub-waveguides.