Reflective Polarization Volume Hologram Layer for AR/VR Optical Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical assemblies in augmented and virtual reality systems face challenges with thickness, weight, and flexibility due to the use of reflective polarizers and quarter wave plates, leading to in-band chromatic aberration and limited optical power.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a reflective polarization volume hologram (rPVH) layer in the optical assembly to provide optical power and correct chromatic aberration, enhancing flexibility and reducing thickness and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reflective polarizers and quarter wave plates are used in conventional optical assemblies, then polarization control is achieved, but thickness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization controlVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reflective polarizer and quarter wave plate functions into a single integrated rPVH layer. This layer simultaneously provides polarization control and optical power, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rPVH layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a reflective polarizer and a quarter wave plate, while also providing optical power and chromatic aberration correction. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If reflective polarizers and quarter wave plates are used in conventional optical assemblies, then polarization control is achieved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolarization controlVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reflective polarizer and quarter wave plate functions into a single integrated rPVH layer. This layer simultaneously provides polarization control and optical power, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rPVH layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a reflective polarizer and a quarter wave plate, while also providing optical power and chromatic aberration correction. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional optical assemblies are used, then basic optical function is provided, but optical power is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical powerVSAvoidoptical assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the optical assembly by using the rPVH layer with specific thickness and material properties to provide higher optical power. The layer is designed with a thickness of 1-10 micrometers and uses materials with specific refractive indices to achieve enhanced optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If conventional optical assemblies are used, then basic optical function is provided, but chromatic aberration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical accuracyVSAvoidchromatic aberration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters of the optical assembly by using the rPVH layer with specific thickness and material properties to provide higher optical power. The layer is designed with a thickness of 1-10 micrometers and uses materials with specific refractive indices to achieve enhanced optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rPVH layer improves optical system contrast, reduces thickness and weight, and allows for curved lamination, while providing increased optical power and flexibility in AR/VR near-eye displays.

Implementation Method 1

reflective polarization volume hologram (rPVH) layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

reflective polarization volume hologram (rPVH) layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

volume hologram layer... providing optical power and higher order of aberration correction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250208330A1Reflective polarization volume hologram layer in augmented reality / virtual reality optical assembly

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A reflective polarization volume hologram (rPVH) layer in combination with a quarter wave plate (QWP) is used to provide optical power and to correct chromatic aberration in an optical assembly of an augmented and/or virtual reality (AR/VR) near-eye display device. The rPVH layer introduces more degrees of freedom to further improve contrast of the optical system and reduces a thickness/weight of the optical assembly. The rPVH layer is flexible, thus, allowing curved lamination on an optical lens. Moreover, the rPVH layer is sensitive to circular polarization. Thus, it can filter right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) or left-handed circular polarization (LHCP), without a need for the QWP.