Abstract: A head-mounted display system and a method of displaying scenes within the system include two or more reconfigurable holographic optical elements (HOEs) in a holographic diffuser of the system. The reconfigurable HOEs may be configured to perform simple optical functions that are commonly associated with traditional optical devices, such as lenses, prisms and mirrors. However, the reconfigurable HOEs may also be configured to perform sophisticated optical manipulations, such as optimally diffusing light with respect to intensity toward a predefined direction. Each reconfigurable HOE includes a hologram that is sandwiched between two electrode layers. The hologram is a holographic photopolymeric film that has been combined with liquid crystal. The hologram has an optical property that changes in response to an applied electrical field.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display system and a method of displaying a scene in a stereoscopic form on a screen of the system include two or more reconfigurable holographic optical element (HOE) stacks in the screen. The reconfigurable HOEs may be configured to perform simple optical functions that are commonly associated with traditional optical devices, such as lenses, prisms and mirrors. However, the reconfigurable HOEs may also be configured to perform sophisticated optical manipulations, such as optimally diffusing light with respect to light intensity toward a predefined viewing region. Each reconfigurable HOE includes a hologram that is sandwiched between two electrode layers. The hologram is a holographic photopolymeric film that has been combined with liquid crystal. The hologram has an optical property that changes in response to an applied electrical field.

Abstract: A diffractive display system and a method of collecting first order light beams from a diffractive display of the system utilize holographic optical elements (HOEs) to deflect one of two first order diffracted light beams that emerge from each diffracting pixel of the diffractive display, so that the first order diffracted light beams can be separated from the zeroth order light beams. The utilization of the HOEs allows the system to be implemented in a compact optical configuration, without sacrificing any portion of the first order diffracted light. In a first embodiment, the system includes three HOEs that have static diffracting properties that are optimized for red, green and blue lights. For each set of light beams from a diffracting pixel of the diffractive display, the HOEs are holographically configured to deflect only one of the two first order diffracted light beams, such that the deflected first order light beam propagates in the same direction as the other non-deflected first order light beam.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device according to this invention realizes three-dimensional picture images without using lenticular lenses etc. In addition, this liquid crystal display device has a transparent picture screen so that remote display picture images or three-dimensional picture images of high luminance are seen multiplexed with the background. The display device is constructed by arranging picture elements in which volume-phase type holograms are formed by a periodical construction of liquid crystals and polymers. Diffraction light from first picture element groups which are distributed uniformly reaches a left eye of an observer while diffraction light from second picture element groups which are distributed uniformly reaches a right eye of an observer. The condition of the picture elements are switched to diffract irradiated light or to transmit the light, thus a desired picture image comprising a dot matrix can be displayed.

Abstract: Switchable electro-optic medium (2) between two substrates (3, 4) at least one of which carries a grating structure (7, 8) at the side of the electro-optic medium, which grating structure has refractive indices which are substantially identical to those of the medium in the non-isotropic state. In the isotropic state diffraction occurs at the grating structure due to a difference in refractive index so that the central beam (11) decreases in intensity. Based on this principle, light shutters for, for example projection display but also beam splitters, colour selectors and beam deflectors may be realized.

Abstract: A color microdisplay utilizes diffraction gratings to provide an array of high efficiency color pixels. The microdisplay includes a semiconductor substrate and source of light disposed adjacent thereto. A cover plate may be disposed above the substrate and has a layer of conductive material on a surface of the cover plate opposite the substrate. An optically active material, such as liquid crystal material, may be disposed between the substrate and the cover plate. An array of pixels are formed on the substrate. The pixel array includes an array of diffraction grating elements. Each element includes one or more diffraction gratings. The pitch of each diffraction grating can be a function of the angle of the incident light and the desired diffraction output spectrum. An optical system directs the diffracted light from each grating through the optically active material into viewing optics.

Abstract: A deflecting element (1) includes a first substrate (3) and a second substrate (5). The two substrates (3) and (5) enclose a liquid crystalline material (7) which is switchable. A surface (13) of one of the substrates (3) facing the liquid crystalline material (7) is provided with a grating structure (15). The other substrate (5) is provided with a plurality of microlenses (21) on a surface (23) facing the liquid crystalline material (7).

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device according to this invention realizes three-dimensional picture images without using lenticular lenses etc. In addition, this liquid crystal display device has a transparent picture screen so that remote display picture images or three-dimensional picture images of high luminance are seen multiplexed with the background. The display device is constructed by arranging picture elements in which volume-phase type holograms are formed by a periodical construction of liquid crystals and polymers. Diffraction light from first picture element groups which are distributed uniformly reaches a left eye of an observer while diffraction light from second picture element groups which are distributed uniformly reaches a right eye of an observer. The condition of the picture elements are switched to diffract irradiated light or to transmit the light, thus a desired picture image comprising a dot matrix can be displayed.

Abstract: A device and method for enhancing the viewing angle of a display including the positioning of a liquid crystal beam deflector on display device, such as a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal beam deflector is capable of deflecting a display image incident thereon, thereby deflecting a primary viewing axis, resulting in an altered viewing axis and/or a broader viewing cone. The resultant effect allows the user to view the display image from the altered viewing angle or at any position within the broader viewing cone, to provide for a higher contrast output image by deflecting the brightest image away from the direction of specular reflection in ambient illuminated reflective displays.

Abstract: An optical deflector device includes a VGM cell including a film of a nematic liquid crystal material which generates a distribution of spatial frequencies when subjected to an electric field. A film thickness setting unit sets a thickness distribution of the film in the VGM cell in accordance with a film thickness distribution defined by a predetermined function.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting light of the present invention comprises: (a) at least one pair of transference electrodes arranged facing one another; (b) a drive circuit which applies a voltage among the transference electrodes; and (c) a liquid crystal which is inserted among the transference electrodes, and whose parallel stripes that function as a diffraction grating when the voltage is applied among the transference electrodes are produced at a pitch corresponding to the applied voltage. The light can be scanned if a diffracted light by the apparatus for deflecting light is converted into a scanning light and a voltage value is changed temporally to apply the voltage among the transference electrodes. In a device for reading information, the scanning light is reflected in a bar code and the reflected light is detected by an apparatus for detecting light.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell and a liquid crystal polarization switch. The liquid crystal cell capable of creating a liquid crystal phase prism under the influence of an external voltage. The liquid crystal polarization switch capable of perpendicularly rotating the polarization of light impinging upon the liquid crystal polarization switch, prior to passage through the liquid crystal cell in response to an applied voltage. The modulator, or scanner, thereby capable of modulating the phase of light passing therethrough, resulting in a high resolution resultant integrated image.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal memory cell and a liquid crystal polarization switch. The liquid crystal memory cell having phase information recorded during the fabrication process thereby affecting the liquid crystal material contained within the cell. The liquid crystal polarization switch capable of perpendicularly rotating the polarization of light impinging upon the liquid crystal polarization switch, prior to passage through the liquid crystal memory cell in response to an applied voltage.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell having molecular orientation recorded during the fabrication process as a direct result of a photochemical reaction exerted upon the liquid crystal material, a mechanically-induced change of a liquid crystal alignment layer, or by varying a plurality of polymer materials that compose the liquid crystal alignment layer, thereby affecting the liquid crystal material contained within the cell. The modulator, or scanner, thereby capable of altering the phase, thus steering light passing therethrough. During operation, the liquid crystal molecules deflect the light beam passing therethrough based on their orientation as recorded during fabrication when the applied voltage is "OFF" or in an altered state when the applied voltage is "ON".

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a first liquid crystal cell and one or more additional liquid crystal cells. Each of the liquid crystal cells is positioned so that their extraordinary optical axis (N.sub.e) lies orthogonal to the next liquid crystal cell, and the group of cells is positioned along the optical axis of light emitted by an image source. The modulator, or scanner, thereby capable of steering substantially 100% of unpolarized light therethrough. The modulator intended for use within a display system additionally composed of an image source, driver/control circuitry and an optical magnification system. In operation, an external stimulus is applied, such as a voltage supplied by an external power source, thereby spatially changing the phase of light emitted therethrough. The scanning action enhances display resolution of the generated resultant image without an increase in the number of pixels of the image source.

Abstract: A phase spatial light modulator composed of a liquid crystal cell and a reflective element. The modulator capable of receiving and modulating substantially 100% of unpolarized light impinging thereupon. The modulator intended for use within an electro-optical system additionally composed of a light source, driver/control circuitry and an optional optical magnification system. In operation, an external stimulus is applied, such as a voltage supplied by an external power source, thereby changing the phase of light emitted therethrough, generating two beams of light traveling in different directions. The first beam of light impinges upon the reflective element and is reflected to travel in the same directional path as the second beam of light.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device according to this invention realizes three-dimensional picture images without using lenticular lenses etc. In addition, this liquid crystal display device has a transparent picture screen so that remote display picture images or three-dimensional picture images of high luminance are seen multiplexed with the background. The display device is constructed by arranging picture elements in which volume-phase type holograms are formed by a periodical construction of liquid crystals and polymers. Diffraction light from first picture element groups which are distributed uniformly reaches a left eye of an observer while diffraction light from second picture element groups which are distributed uniformly reaches a right eye of an observer. The condition of the picture elements are switched to diffract irradiated light or to transmit the light, thus a desired picture image comprising a dot matrix can be displayed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable optical beam splitter and method establishes replicated periods of optical phase shift regions across a liquid crystal cell to form an optical grating in the liquid crystal. A non-linear pattern of phase shift regions is established within each period of the grating to split an input beam into a multi-beam output, or to combine multiple input beams into a single output beam. The desired pattern of phase shift regions is established by applying corresponding voltage differentials across the cell, between an electrode array on one side of the cell and a common counter electrode on the other side. The voltage differential pattern can be dynamically changed to impart a corresponding dynamic reconfiguration of the output beam pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering a beam of light. A volume of electro-optic, light transmissive material has a predetermined geometric shape, such as a wedge, and is positioned to intersect the beam of light so that the beam of light is directed into the material. The material has a first surface on which the beam of light is incident and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first and second surfaces defining a portion of the material therebetween having a thickness which varies with the beam of light passing through the portion of the material. A voltage source applies a potential difference across the portion of the material. A control circuit varies the magnitude of the potential difference applied to the portion of the material. As a result, the beam of light is deflected by an angle which is a function of the varying thickness of the portion of the material and the refractive index of the portion of the material as determined by the magnitude of the potential difference.