Design and fabrication of a low-cost liquid optical waveguide for augmented reality

The design and production of augmented reality (AR) waveguide combiners face considerable challenges due to the intricate nature of conventional fabrication techniques and the need for high precision. To overcome these obstacles, the field requires rapid prototyping methods that enable researchers and engineers to swiftly explore various designs and configurations, thereby accelerating the development process. Here, we have developed a cost-effective method for fabricating liquid geometric waveguide combiners for AR applications using silicone oil as the medium, leveraging the capabilities of Polyjet 3D printing. During the design phase, we optimized the structure of the waveguide combiner to facilitate easier fabrication. Our proposed method simplifies the production process by removing the need for complicated steps like dicing, layer bonding, and polishing, which are usually involved in traditional manufacturing techniques. We conducted optical simulations and developed a prototype using our patented fabrication method, successfully demonstrating its feasibility for rapid prototyping.