Optical Waveguide Assembly Diffraction Inhibition Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide assemblies in virtual and augmented reality systems suffer from low optical efficiency and non-uniform display due to varying light propagation paths and diffraction issues, leading to inefficiencies in image display across different angles and positions.
Innovation Solution
The optical waveguide assembly incorporates multiple overlaid plates with in-coupling, turning, and out-coupling structures, along with a diffraction inhibition layer, where the turning and out-coupling structures overlap partially, and the diffraction inhibition layer is positioned between the out-coupling structures and the waveguide plate to suppress early diffraction and enhance energy retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light propagation paths are allowed to vary in the waveguide, then different field angles can be accommodated, but optical efficiency decreases and display uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a diffraction inhibition layer with specific refractive index characteristics (different from the waveguide plate) at specific locations where light diffraction occurs. This localized modification suppresses unwanted diffraction effects at critical positions while maintaining the overall waveguide functionality and field angle accommodation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction inhibition layer acts as an intermediary element between the waveguide plate and the surrounding environment. It mediates the light-wave interaction by suppressing diffraction effects that would otherwise cause energy loss, thereby improving optical efficiency while preserving the waveguide's ability to handle different field angles.
2Ease of operation
If diffraction effects are allowed to occur, then light can be coupled out at different angles, but energy leakage increases and output uniformity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful diffraction effect into a beneficial one by strategically placing the diffraction inhibition layer to suppress unwanted diffraction while allowing controlled light coupling. The layer transforms the problematic diffraction phenomenon into a manageable feature, enabling efficient energy retention while maintaining coupling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the waveguide assembly by introducing the diffraction inhibition layer with a specific refractive index different from the waveguide plate. This parameter change modifies the light propagation characteristics to suppress diffraction effects, thereby reducing energy leakage while preserving coupling flexibility.
3Loss of energy
If multiple structures are added to improve optical efficiency, then energy loss decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin film structure for the diffraction inhibition layer, which provides effective diffraction suppression without adding significant structural complexity. The thin film approach allows the layer to be integrated into the waveguide assembly with minimal impact on overall device complexity while achieving the desired optical performance improvement.
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 configuration ensures stable light propagation, reduces energy loss, and achieves uniform and efficient light output across different angles, improving overall display efficiency and uniformity while minimizing the assembly's size and energy leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction inhibition layer, the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the same optical waveguide plate are located on two side surfaces of the optical waveguide plate respectively, projections of the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the optical waveguide plate are at least partially overlapped, and the diffraction inhibition layer is located between the out-coupling structure and the optical waveguide plate
Implementation Method 2
each optical waveguide plate of the plurality of optical waveguide plates is provided with an in-coupling structure, a turning structure, an out-coupling structure
Implementation Method 3
the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the same optical waveguide plate are located on two side surfaces of the optical waveguide plate respectively
Implementation Method 4
the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the same optical waveguide plate are located on two side surfaces of the optical waveguide plate respectively, projections of the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the optical waveguide plate are at least partially overlapped
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an optical waveguide assembly. The optical waveguide assembly includes: optical waveguide plates, where there are a plurality of optical waveguide plates, the plurality of optical waveguide plates are provided in an overlaid manner, each optical waveguide plate is provided with an in-coupling structure, a turning structure, an out-coupling structure and a diffraction inhibition layer, the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the same optical waveguide plate are located on two side surfaces of the optical waveguide plate respectively, projections of the turning structure and the out-coupling structure on the optical waveguide plate are at least partially overlapped, and the diffraction inhibition layer is located between the out-coupling structure and the optical waveguide plate. Each turning structure includes a plurality of cellular elements. The disclosure solves a problem of non-uniform display efficiency of an optical waveguide assembly in the related art.