Waveguide Optical Device with Integrated Modulating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems, such as those in head-mounted AR/VR systems and mobile phone camera lenses, face challenges in reducing size while maintaining light modulation functions like compression or expansion, as prior waveguide systems only achieve pupil expansion and not lens or reflector modulation.
Innovation Solution
An optical device integrating a waveguide with optical modulating devices and input/output interfaces, utilizing total reflection and selective film coatings to control light ray propagation, allowing for compact light modulation and combination of multiple lenses/reflectors within a small size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional lens or reflector is used for light ray modulation, then light modulation function is achieved, but the size of optical system becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light modulation, pupil expansion, light propagation) into a single integrated waveguide device. The waveguide integrates the modulator, multiple lenses/reflectors, and light propagation path into one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate optical components and reducing overall system size while maintaining full light modulation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple optical elements (lenses, reflectors, modulators) are arranged in sequence within the waveguide. Each optical component is positioned at a specific location along the light propagation path inside the waveguide, allowing multiple optical functions to be nested within a single compact device volume
2Volume of stationary object
If waveguide system is used for pupil expansion, then device size is reduced, but light modulation function (compression/expansion by lens/reflector) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it expands the pupil, modulates light rays (compression/expansion), and guides light propagation. By integrating the modulator and multiple optical elements within the waveguide, the device achieves universal functionality that combines pupil expansion with full light modulation capabilities, eliminating the functional limitations of prior waveguide systems
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
Enables the design and manufacture of ultra-light optical systems capable of modulating light rays efficiently, reducing the overall size of the optical system while maintaining functionality, applicable to various light or electromagnetic wave modulation fields.
Implementation Method 1
the light ray at least experiences total reflection/or reflection once in the first optical device
Implementation Method 2
Total reflection of the light ray can also arise from the highly reflective coating on the surface of the device
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first optical device having a plurality of surfaces. The first optical device has input/output interfaces. At least one input/output interface is connected to an optical modulating device, and at least one optical modulating device guides a light ray back to the first optical device after modulating the light ray outputted by the input/output interface. By combining advantages of a conventional lens system and the waveguide itself, the optical device can realize a function of modulating the light ray by multiple lens/reflectors within a small size, so as to realize the design and manufacture of ultra-light optical systems/devices. The optical device can be applied to various fields related to light or electromagnetic wave modulation.