Curved Wave-guided Holographic Display (CWHD)

ABSTRACT: To address the Air Force need for developing methods and techniques for optimizing a curved transparent holographic waveguide optical visor for potential integration with combat pilot helmet-mounted displays (HMDs), Luminit, LLC proposes to develop a novel Curved Wave-guided Holographic Display (CWHD) for pilot visors. This system will be based on a unique ZEMAX design, amended with MACROS, for thick reflection guided holograms. By fine-tuning the parameters of the waveguide, integrated holograms, and image source, high-resolution excellent image quality with a wide field-of-view and large eyebox is achieved in the design. In Phase I, Luminit will research and analyze the feasibility of the CWHD military human systems technology and will design and develop a proof-of-concept CWHD. The successful demonstration of the proof-of-concept CWHD and the relevant simulation and test results will lead to the further development of a full-functioning binocular Phase II CWHD prototype that will support color images with parameters satisfying the Air Force requirements. Since CWHD is based on well-established Luminit waveguided HMD technology, the successful Phase II development will lead to further development and production of a reliable product for military applications that replaces classical optics in HMD systems with curved, thin, light, ergonomic diffractive optics. BENEFIT: The CWHD offers many competitive advantages such as cost-efficiency, compactness, light weight, low power consumption, high brightness, and fully see-through. This advanced design will benefit the optical and HMD industry. Monocular and binocular CWHDs will find numerous commercial applications in real-time 3D virtual reality, medicine, avionics, education, CAD, portable computing and communication devices, industrial human system interfaces, law enforcement, firefighting, space exploration, video game markets, and the entertainment industry.