18135020. OPTICAL MODULATOR AND IMAGE PROJECTOR BASED ON LEAKY-MODE WAVEGUIDE WITH SPATIAL MULTIPLEXING simplified abstract (Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC)

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OPTICAL MODULATOR AND IMAGE PROJECTOR BASED ON LEAKY-MODE WAVEGUIDE WITH SPATIAL MULTIPLEXING

Organization Name

Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Sundeep Kumar Jolly of San Francisco CA (US)

Sihui He of Sunnyvale CA (US)

OPTICAL MODULATOR AND IMAGE PROJECTOR BASED ON LEAKY-MODE WAVEGUIDE WITH SPATIAL MULTIPLEXING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18135020 titled 'OPTICAL MODULATOR AND IMAGE PROJECTOR BASED ON LEAKY-MODE WAVEGUIDE WITH SPATIAL MULTIPLEXING

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a leaky-mode acousto-optical modulator that can generate visual images suitable for direct viewing without the need for image-forming optics. By using an array of acoustic transducers coupled to a waveguide, each transducer generates an acoustic wave causing a leaky mode to appear, which is then directed by a reflector to provide a unique field of view portion. These field of view portions combine to create a continuous synthetic field of view suitable for wide-angle visual display applications.

  • Array of acoustic transducers coupled to a waveguide
  • Each transducer generates an acoustic wave causing a leaky mode to appear
  • Reflectors direct the out-coupled light at unique angles for different field of view portions
  • Field of view portions combine to create a continuous synthetic field of view

Potential Applications

The technology can be used in wide-angle visual display applications, such as virtual reality headsets, flight simulators, and panoramic displays.

Problems Solved

This technology eliminates the need for complex image-forming optics in visual display systems, reducing size, weight, and cost while providing a wide field of view for users.

Benefits

- Simplified visual display systems - Wide field of view for immersive experiences - Cost-effective solution for wide-angle displays

Potential Commercial Applications

- Virtual reality headsets - Flight simulators - Panoramic displays

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of traditional acousto-optical modulators with limited field of view capabilities compared to the described leaky-mode acousto-optical modulator.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology handle image distortion at the edges of the field of view?

The article does not address how the system corrects for image distortion that may occur at the edges of the field of view.

What materials are used in the construction of the acoustic transducers and waveguide?

The article does not specify the materials used in the construction of the acoustic transducers and waveguide, which could impact the performance and durability of the system.


Original Abstract Submitted

A leaky-mode acousto-optical modulator may be used to generate visual images suitable for direct viewing, without image-forming optics. To extend a field of view of the modulator to limits suitable for visual displays, an array of acoustic transducers is coupled to a waveguide along its length. Each acoustic transducer generates an acoustic wave causing a corresponding leaky mode to appear. A reflector is disposed proximate each transducer for directing the out-coupled light portion at a unique angle, providing a corresponding field of view portion for that direction. The field of view portions coalesce into a continuous synthetic field of view suitable for wide-angle visual display applications.