To enhance the accessibility of augmented reality (AR) eyewear and virtual reality (VR) headsets, it is crucial to offer a cost-effective and high-quality display solution. Liquid crystal (LC) technology has been extensively researched for this purpose, with Liquid-Crystal Polarization Holograms (LCPHs) standing out as a compact, lightweight solution with versatile optical capabilities essential for AR/VR systems. The fabrication of LCPHs utilizes polarization selectivity and self-assembly, enabling potential cost-effective streamlined production and advanced fabrication approaches. However, there are material requirements and technical challenges that need to be addressed together to achieve an immersive viewing experience with LCPHs. By exploring these opportunities and addressing the challenges, the integration of LCPHs holds the promise of revolutionizing AR/VR optics and providing an accessible, high-quality, and immersive viewing experience for various applications.
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).
To make augmented reality (AR) eyewears widely available, it is necessary to provide a cost-effective and high-quality AR waveguide combiner solution. The polarization volume hologram (PVH) gratings made of liquid crystal (LC) polymer is a promising candidate with unique polarization properties. In this presentation, we review the physical properties of PVH and provide a thorough discussion about how the performance of the waveguide combiner is influenced by the characteristics of PVH and fabrication capabilities. Our study provides guidance to the development of PVH waveguide technology and promotes scale-up solutions.
Liquid crystal polarization holograms (LCPH) have demonstrated optical characteristics which are well suited for virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) applications. To enable complex LCPH designs, an internal tool based on rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) and the Berreman 4x4 method has been developed. This tool, named LCPro, allows for the design, simulation, and tolerancing of complex LCPHs. Several design case studies with differing applications in AR/VR will be discussed where inverse design techniques are used to solve for the required structure given a desired optical response.
An approximate beam propagation method is proposed as an intuitive simulation of the optics of Pancharatnam–Berry phase (PPD) and polarization volume hologram (PVH) devices. Using this method, the connection between, and polarization properties of, these two types of devices are made clear.
Liquid crystal photonic technology has been widely explored aiming to provide the immersive Augmented Reality (AR) experience. In this paper, we discuss the potential of using this technology to build AR waveguide displays. We start from the physical understanding of one type of the LC elements-Polarization Volume Holograms (PVH). Then we discuss the benefits/issues of using PVH as waveguide couplers. Finally, we explore the potential scale up manufacturing path of the PVH waveguides. We expect to provide the future AR glasses with small form factor, great image performance and low cost using Liquid crystal photonic technology.
Liquid crystal devices are powerful ingredients in virtual reality display research at Facebook Reality Labs (FRL), especially as imaging optical components, thanks to the recent advancements in liquid crystal polarization holograms. Active liquid crystal devices can provide possibilities for dynamic reconfiguration of optical system with fast response time. Liquid crystal lenses or gratings that operate following the principles of diffraction can be designed and fabricated with high diffraction efficiency and high polarization selectivity, while keeping a small form factor. In this paper, we cover how these liquid crystal devices can be applied in virtual reality as imaging optical components.
We analyzed a design of a liquid crystal-based diffractive lens for the effect of thickness variations from the design
values. This diffractive lens contains 20 resets, with a focal length around 1 meter; optical phase difference (OPD) is 1
wavelength; liquid crystal cell gap of is 3 μm and a lens radius of around 4.5 mm. Our mathematical analysis is
performed by using numerical calculations that take into account the details of the electrode structure and the physical
properties of the liquid crystal material.
We demonstrate fast-switching electro-optical films (EOFs) based on polymer encapsulated liquid crystal and carbon
nanotube. EOFs are made by using the polymerization-induced phase separation method with an initially homogeneous
mixture of a pre-polymer, liquid crystal and small amount of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The effects of the concentrations
of CNTs and liquid crystals on the electro optical properties of the EOFs are studied. The rise times for the CNTcontaining
EOFs is around 200 μs at 6V/μm, while the fall time is around 30ms at 6V/μm twice as fast as that of the
EOF without CNTS. The dielectric measurements show that the relaxation frequency of the EOFs increases with the
increase of CNT doping, indicating the decrease in droplets size. The morphology of EOFs is confirmed with SEM
morphological studies. With the increase of the concentration of CNT or liquid crystal, the threshold voltages of the
EOFs are decreased and the response times are faster.
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