Freeform holographic curved-waveguide retinal projection near-eye display

Area of Science:

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

Background:

• Augmented reality (AR) displays struggle with wide field of view (FOV) and large depth of field (DOF).
• Conventional planar waveguide systems lack ergonomic compatibility and diopter correction.
• Existing AR display technologies face limitations in performance and user comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel curved-waveguide retinal projection display (CW-RPD) system.
• To address limitations in FOV, DOF, ergonomics, and diopter correction in AR displays.
• To enable next-generation AR displays with enhanced visual performance and user experience.

Main Methods:

• Utilized freeform optics and freeform holographic optical elements (FHOEs).
• Developed a joint optimization strategy for waveguide combiner and exposure system.
• Designed and fabricated a compact cylindrical CW-RPD prototype.

Main Results:

• Achieved a ghosting-free, low-distortion, high-transparency see-through display.
• Demonstrated a wide FOV of 61.75° and an extended DOF from 0.25m to 3m.
• Showcased designs incorporating optical prescriptions for versatile application.

Conclusions:

• The proposed CW-RPD system overcomes key challenges in AR display technology.
• This innovative approach paves the way for advanced large FOV and large DOF AR displays.
• The system's design offers a promising pathway for future AR display development.