Design, analysis and optimization of a waveguide-type near-eye display using a pin-mirror array and a concaved...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Display Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Waveguides are key optical combiners for near-eye displays, but face challenges with thickness, weight, and transmittance.
• Existing waveguide displays struggle with issues like limited field of view, eye-box, resolution, depth of field, and uniformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and develop a compact waveguide-type near-eye display with optimized image uniformity and reduced stray light.
• To extend the depth of field (DOF) to mitigate the vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC).
• To introduce reflective surfaces for input/output coupling, ensuring a compact, easy-processing, and achromatic design.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a pin-mirror array combined with a concaved reflector for optical combining.
• Incorporated reflective surfaces for efficient and achromatic input and output coupling.
• Optimized the structure to address field of view, eye-box, resolution, depth of field, uniformity, and stray light.

Main Results:

• Achieved an extended depth of field compared to traditional waveguide displays, addressing the vergence-accommodation conflict.
• Demonstrated improved display uniformity and significant reduction in stray light artifacts through structural optimization.
• Successfully developed a prototype showcasing virtual images with extended DOF overlaid on the real world.

Conclusions:

• The proposed waveguide display design offers a compact and high-performance solution for see-through near-eye applications.
• The integration of pin-mirror arrays and concaved reflectors effectively enhances optical performance, including DOF and uniformity.
• This approach presents a viable method for improving the user experience in augmented reality by reducing visual discomfort and enhancing immersion.