Invention:
This invention improves acousto-optic devices by increasing their interaction length, allowing for better diffraction efficiency and higher resolution holographic displays with a wider field of view. By using an ultra-thin semiconductor film, the acoustoelectric effect amplifies surface acoustic waves, making them last longer and improving acousto-optic performance. This approach results in improved diffraction efficiency and a greater number of resolvable spots, supporting the development of transparent spatial light modulators for holography, particularly for augmented reality.
Background:
Acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) work well for holographic displays because they have a large bandwidth, but they are limited by a short interaction length, which reduces efficiency and resolution. Pixelated spatial light modulators (SLMs) are another option, but they lose resolution when handling color. Increasing the interaction length of AOMs is important, but current methods struggle due to acoustic loss in thin-film materials. Improving display performance requires either the difficult challenge of reducing SLM pixel size or extending the interaction length of an AOM. In thin film photonic platforms, acoustic loss is the limiting factor in extending the interaction length. Thus, the ability to control acoustic attenuation would create efficient acousto-optic modulators. This invention addresses that issue by using acoustoelectric amplification, which reduces acoustic dissipation and improves the quality of holographic displays.
Applications:
- Augmented reality holographic displays
- LiDAR
- Neutral and trapped-ion quantum computing
- Optical communication systems
- High-resolution imaging
- Spectroscopy
Advantages:
- Increased interaction length for wider field of view and deeper image depth resolution
- Allows for larger, more detailed holographic displays
- Maintains high resolution without the drawbacks of pixelation
- Transparent material usage for easy optical integration
- Reduced acoustic loss, leading to better performance
