Liquid-Crystal-on-Silicon for Augmented Reality Displays

Abstract

In this paper, we review liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) technology and focus on its new application in emerging augmented reality (AR) displays. In the first part, the LCoS working principles of three commonly adopted LC modes—vertical alignment and twist nematic for amplitude modulation, and homogeneous alignment for phase modulation—are introduced and their pros and cons evaluated. In the second part, the fringing field effect is analyzed, and a novel pretilt angle patterning method for suppressing the effect is presented. Moreover, we illustrate how to integrate the LCoS panel in an AR display system. Both currently available intensity modulators and under-developing holographic displays are covered, with special emphases on achieving high image quality, such as a fast response time and high-resolution. The rapidly increasing application of LCoS in AR head-mounted displays and head-up displays is foreseeable.

Stretchable, flexible, and adherable polarization volume grating film for waveguide‐based augmented reality displays

“…On the basis of the PVG film described above, we propose a more compact AR optical design as illustrated in Figure 9 . The light source generates a uniform output, which is reflected by a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) toward a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panel . The displayed content is then reflected toward a quarter‐wave plate (QWP) to convert the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light.…”

“…14 The light source generates a uniform output, which is reflected by a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) toward a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panel. 15 The displayed content is then reflected toward a quarter-wave plate (QWP) to convert the linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light. The light is then passed through waveguide and collimation lens.…”

Special Issue on Liquid Crystal on Silicon Devices: Modeling and Advanced Spatial Light Modulation Applications

“…In previous years, there has been considerable interest in augmented reality (AR) displays. Huang et al [11] review LCoS technology capabilities' new application in emerging AR displays. They start by reviewing the LCoS working principles of three commonly adopted LC modes.…”

On the Analogy between Electrolytes and Ion-Generating Nanomaterials in Liquid Crystals

“…An ongoing competition between LCD and alternative display technologies such as organic light-emitting diode displays [29] resulted in both (1) the improvement of existing LCD technologies and the development of advanced LCD technologies (liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) displays for virtual and augmented reality [30]) and (2) a rapid growth of non-display applications of liquid crystals. The most well-known ones include photonic [31,32] and biophotonic applications [33], such as tunable lenses [34], filters for hyperspectral imaging [33], retarders [33], waveplates [35], and numerous LCoS devices [36][37][38].…”