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Improved 2D continuously variable output couplers for an exit pupil expander fabricated through ion beam etching
Applied Optics
|July 17, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for fabricating 2D gratings with variable depth. This technique significantly improves light uniformity in head-mounted display exit pupils, enhancing device performance.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Display Technology
Background:
- Achieving uniform light output from head-mounted display (HMD) exit pupils is crucial for visual quality.
- Standard output grating couplers with uniform surface profiles struggle to meet this uniformity requirement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel method for fabricating 2D gratings with continuously variable depth.
- To enhance the areal uniformity of light output from grating couplers for HMDs.
Main Methods:
- Development of a modified reactive ion-beam etching system.
- Implementation of variable speed scanning etching.
- Utilizing ion beam cross-sectional shaping in two orthogonal dimensions to control grating depth.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of 2D gratings with continuously variable depth.
- Experimental verification of improved light uniformity from the fabricated couplers.
- Achieved a 52% improvement in light uniformity compared to uniform-depth gratings.
Conclusions:
- The proposed variable-depth grating fabrication method effectively addresses the challenge of light uniformity in HMDs.
- This advancement offers a pathway to superior optical performance in next-generation head-mounted display devices.
