Photonic Array Waveguide Illumination Source for Near-Eye Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current illumination sources for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems fail to meet form-factor and performance requirements due to limitations such as speckle and interference, especially when using sources with gain like laser diodes.
Innovation Solution
A photonic array comprising a waveguide and an optical switching assembly that receives light, divides it into channels, and outputs it through multiple ports, allowing for controlled illumination, timing, and phase manipulation to generate a light pattern, which can be used in near-eye displays (NEDs) to overcome the limitations of traditional sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If sources with gain (e.g., laser diode) are used to meet form factor and performance requirements, then brightness and efficiency are improved, but speckle and interference issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light propagation path into multiple independent waveguide channels, each carrying a portion of the total light. By dividing the single high-intensity source into multiple lower-intensity channels, the speckle and interference effects are distributed and reduced while maintaining overall brightness requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide array acts as an intermediary between the light source and the display elements. This intermediary structure transforms the direct high-intensity laser light into distributed guided modes, reducing harmful speckle effects while preserving the brightness needed for display operation.
2Device complexity
If traditional illumination sources are used, then simplicity is maintained, but form-factor and performance requirements for VR/AR systems are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide array structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a light distribution network, a form-factor reduction mechanism, and a performance enhancement tool. This multi-functionality allows the system to meet VR/AR requirements without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional light path to a multi-dimensional waveguide array structure. By utilizing the spatial dimensions of the waveguide lattice, the system achieves compact form-factor and enhanced performance without adding proportional complexity to the overall design.
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 photonic array effectively addresses the limitations of traditional illumination sources by providing improved form-factor and performance in VR and AR systems, enabling efficient and controlled light distribution for enhanced display capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide is configured to receive light at the one or more inputs (e.g., from one or more emitters), divide the received light into a number of channels, and output the divided light using at least some of the plurality of outputs
Implementation Method 2
The optical switching assembly includes a one or more input ports and a plurality of output ports. The optical switching assembly is configured to map light from the one or more input ports to the plurality of outputs
Data Source
AI summary
A near eye display (NED) that includes an illumination source including a photonic array. The photonic array includes at least one waveguide that divides light from one or more emitters into a number of channels, and outputs the divided light using a plurality of outputs. An optical switching assembly includes a one or more input ports and a plurality of output ports. The optical switching assembly is configured to map light from the one or more input ports to the plurality of outputs. In various embodiments, the optical switching assembly is additionally configured to control the relative illumination, timing, and phase of light produced by each of the plurality of outputs. The optical switching assembly selectively outputs some or all of the incoupled light via output ports of the plurality of output ports in accordance with instructions from a controller, the outcoupled light forming a light pattern.