Abstract: A split exit pupil heads-up display (HUD) system and method. The HUD system architecture makes use of a split exit pupil design method that enables a modular HUD system and allows the HUD system viewing eye-box size to be tailored while reducing the overall volumetric aspects. A single HUD module utilizes a micro-pixel imager to generate a HUD virtual image with a given viewing eye-box size. When integrated together into a single HUD system, a multiplicity of such a HUD modules displaying the same image enables an integrated HUD system to have an eye-box size that equals the same multiple of the eye-box size of a single HUD module. The brightness of the integrated HUD system is maintained while the eye-box size becomes multiple size of the eye-box of a single module. The integrated HUD system can be comprised of multiplicity of single HUD modules to scale the eye-box size to match the intended application while maintaining system brightness.

Abstract: Designs of extremely high efficiency solar cells are described. A novel alternating bias scheme enhances the photovoltaic power extraction capability above the cell band-gap by enabling the extraction of hot carriers. When applied in conventional solar cells, this alternating bias scheme has the potential of more than doubling their yielded net efficiency. When applied in conjunction with solar cells incorporating quantum wells (QWs) or quantum dots (QDs) based solar cells, the described alternating bias scheme has the potential of extending such solar cell power extraction coverage, possibly across the entire solar spectrum, thus enabling unprecedented solar power extraction efficiency. Within such cells, a novel alternating bias scheme extends the cell energy conversion capability above the cell material band-gap while the quantum confinement structures are used to extend the cell energy conversion capability below the cell band-gap.

Abstract: An emissive Solid State Imager (SSI) comprised of a spatial array of digitally addressable multicolor micro pixels. Each pixel is a micro optical cavity comprising multiple photonic layers of blue-violet semiconductor light emitting diode. One of the photonic layers is used to generate light at the blue primary of the SSI. Two of the photonic layers are used to generate violet-blue excitation light which is converted with associated nanophosphors layer into the green and the red primaries of the SSI. The light generated is emitted perpendicular to the plane of the imager device via a plurality of vertical optical waveguides that extract and collimate the light generated. Each pixel diode is individually addressable to enable the pixel to simultaneously emit any combination of the colors associated with its multicolor nanophosphors converted semiconductor light emitting diode at any required on/off duty cycle for each color.

Abstract: A viewing system is provided including an active transparency modulation film in the form of addressable arrays of electrochromic pixel structures. The viewing system may be used in, for instance, a head-mounted display (HMD) or head-up display (HUD). The film is located on one side of a viewing lens of the system and is selectively variable from opaque to transparent at certain regions on the lens to provide an opaque silhouetted image upon which a virtual image is projected. The viewing system including the film and pixel structure therefore provide improved viewing by minimizing the undesirable effects of image ghosting in a viewed scene.

Abstract: Complementary near-field and far-field light field displays (LFDs) are provided. A distributed LFD system is disclosed in which the light field is cooperatively displayed by a direct view LFD and a near-eye LFD. The two display components of the system work together synchronously to display a high-fidelity 3D experience to one or multiple viewers.

Abstract: A split exit pupil heads-up display (HUD) system and method. The HUD system architecture makes use of a split exit pupil design method that enables a modular HUD system and allows the HUD system viewing eye-box size to be tailored while reducing the overall volumetric aspects. A single HUD module utilizes a micro-pixel imager to generate a HUD virtual image with a given viewing eye-box size. When integrated together into a single HUD system, a multiplicity of such a HUD modules displaying the same image enables an integrated HUD system to have an eye-box size that equals the same multiple of the eye-box size of a single HUD module. The brightness of the integrated HUD system is maintained while the eye-box size becomes multiple size of the eye-box of a single module. The integrated HUD system can be comprised of multiplicity of single HUD modules to scale the eye-box size to match the intended application while maintaining system brightness.

Abstract: A system for near-eye display applications. A lens is provided with a beam-splitting interface horizontally along the width of the lens. Two display devices per lens are provided and disposed on the perimeter surface of the lens opposing an overlapped, prismatic facet optics assembly which balances aberration introduced by the slight symmetry break in the lens.

Abstract: Spatio-temporal light field cameras that can be used to capture the light field within its spatio temporally extended angular extent. Such cameras can be used to record 3D images, 2D images that can be computationally focused, or wide angle panoramic 2D images with relatively high spatial and directional resolutions. The light field cameras can be also be used as 2D/3D switchable cameras with extended angular extent. The spatio-temporal aspects of the novel light field cameras allow them to capture and digitally record the intensity and color from multiple directional views within a wide angle. The inherent volumetric compactness of the light field cameras make it possible to embed in small mobile devices to capture either 3D images or computationally focusable 2D images. The inherent versatility of these light field cameras makes them suitable for multiple perspective light field capture for 3D movies and video recording applications.

Abstract: Spatio-temporal light field cameras that can be used to capture the light field within its spatio temporally extended angular extent. Such cameras can be used to record 3D images, 2D images that can be computationally focused, or wide angle panoramic 2D images with relatively high spatial and directional resolutions. The light field cameras can be also be used as 2D/3D switchable cameras with extended angular extent. The spatio-temporal aspects of the novel light field cameras allow them to capture and digitally record the intensity and color from multiple directional views within a wide angle. The inherent volumetric compactness of the light field cameras make it possible to embed in small mobile devices to capture either 3D images or computationally focusable 2D images. The inherent versatility of these light field cameras makes them suitable for multiple perspective light field capture for 3D movies and video recording applications.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave irradiation apparatus and methods to bond unbonded areas in a bonded pair of substrates are disclosed. The unbonded areas between the substrates are eliminated by thermal activation in the unbonded areas induced by electromagnetic wave irradiation having a wavelength selected to effect a phonon or electron excitation. A first substrate of the bonded pair of substrates absorbs the electromagnetic radiation and a portion of a resulting thermal energy transfers to an interface of the bonded pair of substrates at the unbonded areas with sufficient flux to cause opposite sides the first and second substrates to interact and dehydrate to form a bond (e.g., Si—O—Si bond).

Abstract: Spatio-temporal light field cameras that can be used to capture the light field within its spatio temporally extended angular extent. Such cameras can be used to record 3D images, 2D images that can be computationally focused, or wide angle panoramic 2D images with relatively high spatial and directional resolutions. The light field cameras can be also be used as 2D/3D switchable cameras with extended angular extent. The spatio-temporal aspects of the novel light field cameras allow them to capture and digitally record the intensity and color from multiple directional views within a wide angle. The inherent volumetric compactness of the light field cameras make it possible to embed in small mobile devices to capture either 3D images or computationally focusable 2D images. The inherent versatility of these light field cameras makes them suitable for multiple perspective light field capture for 3D movies and video recording applications.

Abstract: Designs of extremely high efficiency solar cells are described. A novel alternating bias scheme enhances the photovoltaic power extraction capability above the cell band-gap by enabling the extraction of hot carriers. When applied in conventional solar cells, this alternating bias scheme has the potential of more than doubling their yielded net efficiency. When applied in conjunction with solar cells incorporating quantum wells (QWs) or quantum dots (QDs) based solar cells, the described alternating bias scheme has the potential of extending such solar cell power extraction coverage, possibly across the entire solar spectrum, thus enabling unprecedented solar power extraction efficiency. Within such cells, a novel alternating bias scheme extends the cell energy conversion capability above the cell material band-gap while the quantum confinement structures are used to extend the cell energy conversion capability below the cell band-gap.

Abstract: Spatio-temporal light field cameras that can be used to capture the light field within its spatio temporally extended angular extent. Such cameras can be used to record 3D images, 2D images that can be computationally focused, or wide angle panoramic 2D images with relatively high spatial and directional resolutions. The light field cameras can be also be used as 2D/3D switchable cameras with extended angular extent. The spatio-temporal aspects of the novel light field cameras allow them to capture and digitally record the intensity and color from multiple directional views within a wide angle. The inherent volumetric compactness of the light field cameras make it possible to embed in small mobile devices to capture either 3D images or computationally focusable 2D images. The inherent versatility of these light field cameras makes them suitable for multiple perspective light field capture for 3D movies and video recording applications.

Abstract: Emissive micro-pixel spatial light modulators with non-telecentric emission are introduced. The individual light emission from each multi-color micro-scale emissive pixel is directionally modulated in a unique direction to enable application-specific non-telecentric emission pattern from the micro-pixel array of the emissive spatial light modulator. Design methods for directionally modulating the light emission of the individual micro-pixels using micro-pixel level optics are described. Monolithic wafer level optics methods for fabricating the micro-pixel level optics are also described. An emissive multi-color micro-pixel spatial light modulator with non-telecentric emission is used to exemplify the methods and possible applications of the present invention: ultra-compact image projector, minimal cross-talk 3D light field display, multi-view 2D display, and directionally modulated waveguide optics for see-through near-eye displays.

Abstract: A method to improve the planarity of a semiconductor wafer and an assembly made from the method. In a preferred embodiment of the method, a compressive PECVD oxide layer such as SiO2 having a predetermined thickness or pattern is deposited on the second surface of a semiconductor wafer having an undesirable warp or bow. The thickness or pattern of the deposited oxide layer is determined by the measured warp or bow of the semiconductor wafer. The compressive oxide layer induces an offsetting compressive force on the second surface of the semiconductor wafer to reduce the warp and bow across the major surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: Split exit pupil (or split eye-box) heads-up display (HUD)systems and methods are described. The described HUD system methods make use of a split exit pupil design method that enables a modular HUD system and allows the HUD system viewing eye-box size to be tailored while reducing the overall HUD volumetric aspects. A HUD module utilizes a high brightness small size micro-pixel imager to generate one or more HUD virtual images with a one or a plurality of given viewing eye-box segment sizes. When integrated together into a HUD system, a multiplicity of such HUD modules displaying the same image would enable such an integrated HUD system to have an eye-box size that is substantially larger than the eye-box size of a HUD module. The resultant integrated HUD system volume is substantially volumetrically smaller than a HUD system that uses a single larger imager.

Abstract: Wearable augmented reality display systems are provided. One or a plurality of emissive display elements are embedded in the bridge area of an eyeglass frame. The lenses are provided with a set of transmissive diffractive optical elements and partially reflective diffractive optical elements. The display outputs are directed toward the lens elements whereby the diffractive elements in turn direct the outputs toward the eye-boxes of the viewer.

Abstract: A method for growing on a substrate strongly aligned uniform cross-section semiconductor composite nanocolumns is disclosed. The method includes: (a) forming faceted pyramidal pits on the substrate surface; (b) initiating nucleation on the facets of the pits; and; (c) promoting the growth of nuclei toward the center of the pits where they coalesce with twinning and grow afterwards together as composite nanocolumns. Multi-quantum-well, core-shell nanocolumn heterostructures can be grown on the sidewalls of the nanocolumns. Furthermore, a continuous semiconductor epitaxial layer can be formed through the overgrowth of the nanocolumns to facilitate fabrication of high-quality planar device structures or for light emitting structures.

Abstract: Spatio-temporal light field cameras that can be used to capture the light field within its spatio temporally extended angular extent. Such cameras can be used to record 3D images, 2D images that can be computationally focused, or wide angle panoramic 2D images with relatively high spatial and directional resolutions. The light field cameras can be also be used as 2D/3D switchable cameras with extended angular extent. The spatio-temporal aspects of the novel light field cameras allow them to capture and digitally record the intensity and color from multiple directional views within a wide angle. The inherent volumetric compactness of the light field cameras make it possible to embed in small mobile devices to capture either 3D images or computationally focusable 2D images. The inherent versatility of these light field cameras makes them suitable for multiple perspective light field capture for 3D movies and video recording applications.

Abstract: Split exit pupil (or split eye-box) heads-up display (HUD) systems and methods are described. The described HUD system methods make use of a split exit pupil design method that enables a modular HUD system and allows the HUD system viewing eye-box size to be tailored while reducing the overall HUD volumetric aspects. A HUD module utilizes a high brightness small size micro-pixel imager to generate a HUD virtual image with a given viewing eye-box segment size. When integrated together into a HUD system, a multiplicity of such HUD modules displaying the same image would enable such an integrated HUD system to have an eye-box size that is substantially larger than the eye-box size of a HUD module. The resultant integrated HUD system volume is substantially volumetrically smaller than a HUD system that uses a single larger imager.