Optical Systems Having Polarization Recycling Structures: abstract simplified (18169339)

• This abstract for appeared for patent application number 18169339 Titled 'Optical Systems Having Polarization Recycling Structures'

Simplified Explanation

This abstract describes a display technology that uses a ferroelectric liquid crystal on silicon (fLCOS) panel to produce image light. The display includes illumination optics that generate linear polarized illumination light, which is then modulated by the fLCOS panel to create the final image. The illumination optics consist of light emitters that emit different wavelengths of light, and an X-plate that combines the emitted light. Polarization recycling structures, including a reflective polarizer and possibly a quarter waveplate, are used to minimize light loss and maximize the efficiency of the display.

Original Abstract Submitted

A display may include illumination optics, a ferroelectric liquid crystal on silicon (fLCOS) panel, and a waveguide. The illumination optics may produce linear polarized illumination light that is modulated by the fLCOS panel to produce image light. The illumination optics may include light emitters that emit respective wavelengths of the illumination light. The illumination optics may include an X-plate that outputs the illumination light by combining the light emitted by the light emitters. Polarization recycling structures may be optically interposed between each of the light emitters and the X-plate. The polarization recycling structures may include a reflective polarizer. If desired, the polarizing recycling structures may also include a quarter waveplate. The polarization recycling structures may serve to minimize the amount of light lost in producing linearly polarized illumination light for the fLCOS display panel, thereby maximizing the optical efficiency of the display.