Apple inc. (20240264434). Optical Systems with Light-Expanding Couplers simplified abstract
Contents
Optical Systems with Light-Expanding Couplers
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jonathan B. Pfeiffer of Lafayette CO (US)
Francesco Aieta of Alameda CA (US)
Se Baek Oh of Hillsborough CA (US)
Friso Schlottau of Mead CO (US)
Adam C. Urness of Boulder CO (US)
Optical Systems with Light-Expanding Couplers - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240264434 titled 'Optical Systems with Light-Expanding Couplers
The patent application describes an electronic device with an optical system that directs light towards an eye box without chromatic dispersion, supporting an expanded field of view and optical bandwidth.
- The optical system includes a waveguide, a non-diffractive input coupler, a cross coupler, and an output coupler.
- The cross coupler expands the light in a first direction by performing an even number of diffractions and coupling the light back into the waveguide for total internal reflection.
- The output coupler expands the light in a second direction while coupling it out of the waveguide.
- The cross coupler may contain surface relief gratings or holographic gratings embedded within the waveguide or in a separate substrate.
Potential Applications: - Augmented reality devices - Virtual reality headsets - Heads-up displays in vehicles
Problems Solved: - Chromatic dispersion in optical systems - Limited field of view in current display technologies
Benefits: - Enhanced field of view - Improved optical bandwidth - Reduced chromatic dispersion
Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Optical System for Enhanced Display Technology This technology can be used in the development of next-generation augmented reality devices, virtual reality headsets, and heads-up displays for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and gaming.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the optical system in this device differ from traditional display technologies?
- The optical system in this device uses a unique combination of waveguides and couplers to direct light towards the eye box without chromatic dispersion, supporting an expanded field of view.
2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this advanced optical system in commercial products?
- Some potential challenges may include manufacturing complexity and cost, as well as ensuring compatibility with existing display technologies.
Original Abstract Submitted
an electronic device may include a display that generates light for an optical system that redirects the light towards an eye box. the optical system may include a waveguide, a non-diffractive input coupler, a cross coupler, and an output coupler. the cross coupler may expand the light in a first direction. the cross coupler may perform an even number of diffractions on the light and may couple the light back into the waveguide at an angle suitable for total internal reflection. the output coupler may expand the light in a second direction while coupling the light out of the waveguide. the cross coupler may include surface relief gratings or holographic gratings embedded within the waveguide or formed in a separate substrate. the optical system may direct the light towards the eye box without chromatic dispersion and while supporting an expanded field of view and optical bandwidth.
