Improvements in size, weight, and cost of laser modules for AR/VR/MR using stamped reflective optics

Abstract

Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (XR) displays require miniature light engines that can be worn near-theeye. Laser beam scanner (LBS) architectures use light from a hermetically-sealed laser beam module (LBM) and scan the light with a MEMS mirror into a combiner. This paper presents an improved method for packaging a red, green, and blue (RGB) LBM using stamped mirror arrays that fold the light beam, correct beam shape, and redirect beam propagation to a MEMS mirror. The mirror array simplifies the optical path and eliminates passive components like dichroic filters and refractive lenses such as those used for slow-axis and fast-axis correction. This new approach reduces the size, weight, and cost of LBMs for XR applications.