This paper explores how Liquid Crystal (LC) technologies can enable the metaverse by enhancing Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) optics. We highlight the potential of Liquid-Crystal Polarization Holograms (LCPHs) developed by Reality Labs Research (RLR) at Meta Platforms, Inc. LCPHs offer compact, lightweight solutions with versatile optical capabilities, including eye-tracking, accommodation, compact VR viewing optics with improved image quality, AR waveguide combiners with enhanced efficiency, and simplified fabrication processes. These advancements show promising potential to make a real impact in the AR/VR industry. LC technologies, especially LCPHs, are paving the way for more comfortable and immersive AR/VR viewing experiences.
Liquid crystal photonic technology has been widely explored in VR systems giving its unique response for polarization. In this paper, we proposed a new time-multiplexed structure for foveated VR display using liquid crystal components. Unlike most other foveated display method, in which several displays are needed, a single display panel was used in the proposed architecture and the viewing optical system can be tuned between high optical power path to provide the wide FOV and low optical power path to achieve the high resolution through a switchable half wave plate (sHWP).
The sensitivity of the human visual system to brightness and contrast is orders of magnitude higher than what current neareye displays can emulate. Although high brightness and contrast, which in combination is defined as high dynamic range (HDR) in this work, are critical to the realism provided by near-eye displays, these parameters are often compromised to achieve other major performance targets, such as resolution, field of view, form factor, and power consumption. Previously, various efforts from industry and academia resulted in HDR direct-view displays, and sometimes HDR near-eye display test beds. This work explores different technical approaches to integrated display systems with high brightness and contrast. HDR near-eye display test beds and form-factor-optimized prototypes were built based on dual modulation, where HDR displays were created by optically conjugating two low dynamic range light intensity modulators, in conjunction with high contrast viewing optics. The viewing optics are custom designed to avoid Fresnel lenses and use only refractive surfaces without any slope discontinuity to minimize contrast reduction from stray light. The dual modulation display system followed optical architectures similar to previous work by combining projectors and LCD display panels. However, the display system was designed and optimized for miniaturization by using folded optics to meet a head-mounted form factor. The challenges in system architecture, display technologies, form factor reduction, optical design, as well as brightness and contrast metrologies are discussed in detail.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.