Invention:
This innovation improves image quality and reduces polarization aberration in waveguide display systems by using a graded-index waveguide and/or coating. Specifically, the innovation improves the performance of the display by increasing the bandwidth, field of view, and reducing polarization-dependent loss.
Using a graded-index coating in waveguide applications allowed for complete correction of polarization phase shift from total internal reflection. The critical angle between the waveguide core and cladding remains the same, as demonstrated by multiple fundamental principles.
Background:
Graded-index optics covers optical effects produced by a gradient of the refractive index of a material. Additionally, waveguide displays are already commonly used in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). They have advantages like high image quality, transparency, field of view, and compact thin form factor.
A waveguide generally couples and projects light from a micro-display like LCD or OLED to form a virtual image directed towards the eye. It can also act as a combiner and can transmit external light to the eye, allowing users to see both overlay and outside images.
Applications:
- Waveguide display systems
- Virtual reality optical systems
- Augmented reality optical systems
Advantages:
- Improved display performance
- Improved field of view
- Reduced polarization-dependent loss
