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Holographic pancake optics for thin and lightweight optical see-through augmented reality
Optics Express
|November 23, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed the first full-color volume holographic pancake optic for see-through augmented reality (AR) displays. This novel optic integrates a holographic pancake with a lightguide, enabling see-through capabilities for mobile AR applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Holography
- Augmented Reality Displays
Background:
- Holographic pancake optics have existed since 1985.
- See-through pancake optic solutions for displays have not been previously demonstrated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the first full-color volume holographic pancake optic in an optical see-through configuration.
- To enable applications in mobile augmented reality (AR).
Main Methods:
- Combined a full-color volume holographic pancake with a flat lightguide.
- Designed and fabricated hardware optics.
- Characterized holograms for diffraction efficiency, angular bandwidth, focal length, haze, and thickness.
Main Results:
- Achieved optical see-through capability.
- Measured a field of view of 29° (horizontal) by 12° (vertical).
- Demonstrated a large eyebox with ±10 mm horizontal and ±3 mm vertical motion for a 4 mm pupil.
- Measured a modulation transfer function of 10% contrast at 10 lp/deg.
Conclusions:
- The developed holographic pancake optic is the first of its kind for see-through AR.
- The integration with a lightguide successfully enables see-through functionality.
- The optic offers a wide field of view and a large eyebox suitable for mobile AR.
