Abstract: A method includes receiving a light beam propagating along an optical path and operating a polarization rotator in a first state to produce an input right-hand circularly polarized beam or in a second state to produce an input left-hand circularly polarized beam. The method also includes converting, using a first diffractive element, the input right-hand circularly polarized beam into an intermediate left-hand circularly polarized beam or converting, using the first diffractive element, the input left-hand circularly polarized beam into an intermediate right-hand circularly polarized beam. The method also includes converting, using a second diffractive element, the intermediate left-hand circularly polarized beam into a right-hand circularly polarized output beam or converting, using the second diffractive element, the intermediate right-hand circularly polarized beam into a left-hand circularly polarized output beam.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a light beam propagating along an optical path and operating a polarization rotator in a first state to produce an input right-hand circularly polarized beam or in a second state to produce an input left-hand circularly polarized beam. The method also includes converting, using a first diffractive element, the input right-hand circularly polarized beam into an intermediate left-hand circularly polarized beam or converting, using the first diffractive element, the input left-hand circularly polarized beam into an intermediate right-hand circularly polarized beam. The method also includes converting, using a second diffractive element, the intermediate left-hand circularly polarized beam into a right-hand circularly polarized output beam or converting, using the second diffractive element, the intermediate right-hand circularly polarized beam into a left-hand circularly polarized output beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for augmented reality devices with prescription lenses. An example augmented reality device may include a frame and a lens coupled to the frame. The lens may include a prescription lens configured to refract light, the prescription lens having a first index of refraction value, a waveguide encapsulated in the prescription lens, the waveguide having a second index of refraction value, and a first coating layer disposed on a first side of the waveguide, the first coating layer having a third index of refraction value. The third index of refraction value may be less than the first index of refraction value, and the first index of refraction value may be less than the second index of refraction value.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a light beam propagating along an optical path, converting, using a first diffractive element, a first portion of the light beam into a first circularly polarized beam, and a second portion of the light beam into a second circularly polarized beam. The method also includes converting, using a second diffractive element, the first circularly polarized beam into a first circularly polarized output beam, and the second circularly polarized beam into a second circularly polarized output beam.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for an ultra-short throw projector. The projector may include an illuminator having an ellipsoidal reflector, a light emitting diode (LED) positioned inside of the ellipsoidal reflector, and a Fresnel lens positioned inside of the ellipsoidal reflector. The projector may include a circular transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD) and a three-element plastic projection lens positioned outside of the ellipsoidal reflector, wherein the circular transmissive LCD is positioned between the ellipsoidal reflector and the three-element plastic projection lens, wherein the ellipsoidal reflector reflects light emitted by the LED, wherein the Fresnel lens refracts light emitted by the LED, and wherein the three-element plastic projection lens projects the reflected light and the refracted light.

Abstract: A light mixing chamber includes a housing having a channel formed therein, with the channel exposed to an exterior of the housing. A chamber is formed in the housing, and an aperture formed in the housing connects the chamber to the channel. The chamber may house an LED, with an optical member being retained within the channel. A light guide plate may be positioned on an exterior of the housing outside the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to quantum dot (QD) structures for lighting applications. In particular, quantum dots and quantum dot containing inks (comprising mixtures of different wavelength quantum dots) are synthesized for desired optical properties and integrated with an LED source to create a trichromatic white light source. The LED source may be integrated with the quantum dots in a variety of ways, including through the use of a small capillary filled with quantum dot containing ink or a quantum dot containing film placed appropriately within the optical system. These systems may result in improved displays characterized by higher color gamuts, lower power consumption, and reduced cost.

Abstract: A light mixing chamber includes a housing having a channel formed therein, with the channel exposed to an exterior of the housing. A chamber is formed in the housing, and an aperture formed in the housing connects the chamber to the channel. The chamber may house an LED, with an optical member being retained within the channel. A light guide plate may be positioned on an exterior of the housing outside the channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to quantum dot (QD) structures for lighting applications. In particular, quantum dots and quantum dot containing inks (comprising mixtures of different wavelength quantum dots) are synthesized for desired optical properties and integrated with an LED source to create a trichromatic white light source. The LED source may be integrated with the quantum dots in a variety of ways, including through the use of a small capillary filled with quantum dot containing ink or a quantum dot containing film placed appropriately within the optical system. These systems may result in improved displays characterized by higher color gamuts, lower power consumption, and reduced cost.

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) devices employing layers of semiconducting carbon nanotubes as light absorption elements are disclosed. In one aspect a layer of p-type carbon nanotubes and a layer of n-type carbon nanotubes are used to form a p-n junction PV device. In another aspect a mixed layer of p-type and n-type carbon nanotubes are used to form a bulk hetero-junction PV device. In another aspect a metal such as a low work function metal electrode is formed adjacent to a layer of semiconducting nanotubes to form a Schottky barrier PV device. In another aspect various material deposition techniques well suited to working with nanotube layers are employed to realize a practical metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) PV device. In another aspect layers of metallic nanotubes are used to provide flexible electrode elements for PV devices. In another aspect layers of metallic nanotubes are used to provide transparent electrode elements for PV devices.