Compensator design for polarization state management in waveguide displays based on polarization volume gratings

Abstract

In this work, we focus on the polarization state management in optical devices using optical elements based on circular polarization. As an example, we point out the issue in a waveguide display using circular polarization optical elements as input/output couplers, where the polarization state of the light can change as it propagates in the waveguide due to total internal reflection (TIR). This has a negative effect on the waveguide output coupler efficiency, image uniformity, and the polarization multiplexing capability. To address this problem, we discussed two different methods to compensate the polarization state change. With the compensator applied to correct the polarization state change in the waveguide, the optical elements based on circular polarization can be used with their advantages as input/output couplers for waveguide displays.

Design optimization of polarization volume gratings for full‐color waveguide‐based augmented reality displays

“…Finally, since the polarization changes during TIR inside the waveguide, the output images in the whole FoV are not so uniform as the input image. Polarization maintainer 17 is required to maintain the desired circular polarization when light hits the out‐coupling PVG.…”

68‐2: Distinguished Student Paper: Design optimization of polarization volume gratings for full‐color waveguide‐based AR displays

“…Finally, since the polarization changes during TIR inside the waveguide, the output images are not so uniform as the input image. Polarization maintainer [9] is required to remain the desired circular polarization when light hits the out-coupling PVG.…”

28‐1: Foveated imaging for AR displays based on polarization selective flat lenses

“…Apart from that, the VAC issue is inherently non-existent in a Maxwellian display and the aberration can be eliminated for each view by matching the recording and reconstruction signals [9]. Moreover, this configuration can be integrated into waveguides by using a polarization state management [10]. The proposed architecture effectively reduces the system volume by employing a single display module and achieves a wide FoV and high perceived angular resolution simultaneously.…”