Planar waveguide apparatus with diffraction element(s) and system employing same
US9612403B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2027/0178
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.