Spatial Light Modulator Amplitude Phase Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies, such as CRT, LCD, and OLED, primarily use amplitude modulation, resulting in two-dimensional images without depth of view, leading to eye fatigue and discomfort in 3D displays due to the lack of true depth perception and motion parallax, as they fail to simultaneously modulate amplitude and phase effectively within a single spatial light modulator.
Innovation Solution
A method and architecture that modulate both amplitude and phase simultaneously within a single spatial light modulator using liquid crystals, employing embossed microstructures, nano-imprinting lithography, and controlled voltage to achieve high-resolution, high-efficiency 3D holographic displays by aligning cells in specific directions within a pixel or array of pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If amplitude modulation is used in display devices, then image brightness and contrast are improved, but depth perception and motion parallax are lost resulting in eye fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D amplitude-only modulation to 4D simultaneous amplitude and phase modulation. By adding phase modulation as a new dimension, the system creates true 3D holographic images with depth perception and motion parallax, eliminating eye fatigue while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges amplitude modulation and phase modulation functions into a single spatial light modulator device. This integration allows both modulations to occur simultaneously on the same pixel array, achieving high-resolution 3D holographic display without requiring multiple separate devices
2Object-affected harmful factors
If phase modulation is used to create 3D holographic displays, then depth perception is improved, but image resolution and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines amplitude and phase modulation capabilities within a single spatial light modulator. This merging allows the system to achieve both depth perception from phase modulation and high image resolution from amplitude modulation simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of phase-only modulators
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate spatial light modulators are used for amplitude and phase modulation, then both modulations can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal spatial light modulator that performs both amplitude and phase modulation functions simultaneously. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for two separate modulators and their associated optical systems, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full dual modulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate spatial light modulators (one for amplitude, one for phase) into a single integrated device. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating redundant components and optical paths
4Device complexity
If amplitude modulation only is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but true 3D display with motion parallax cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds phase modulation as an additional dimension to the conventional amplitude-only modulation system. This dimensional expansion enables true 3D holographic display with depth perception and motion parallax while maintaining relative device simplicity through single-device integration
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 approach enables the creation of high-resolution, high-efficiency 3D holographic displays with clear, compact volume and high contrast, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by providing true depth perception and motion parallax, reducing eye fatigue and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
both of the AM and the PM are performed via a layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between a transparent electrode layer and a electrode layer
Implementation Method 2
controlling the optical characteristics of liquid crystals using photo alignment, nano-imprinting lithograph (NIL) and E-beam
Data Source
AI summary
Architecture and designs of modulating both amplitude and phase at the same time in spatial light modulation are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, light propagation is controlled in two different directions (e.g., 0 and 45 degrees) to perform both amplitude modulation and phase modulation at the same time in liquid crystals. In one embodiment, a mask is used to form a pattern, where the pattern includes an array of alignment cells or embossed microstructures, a first group of the cells are aligned in the first direction and a second group of the cells are aligned in the second direction. Depending on applications, two cells from the first group and the second group may correspond to a single pixel or two neighboring pixels, resulting in amplitude modulation and phase modulation within the pixel or within an array of pixels.