Holographic Waveguide Visor Display (HWVD)

Recent developments in holographic optics make it possible to replace current optical systems with light weight, see-through optics. The research proposed by Vuzix will determine the feasibility of a holographic waveguide visor display (HWVD). Vuzix will pursue an approach using newly refined holographic recording materials. This technology development must increase eye movement freedom by 100x while decreasing the space and weight requirements by 10X. The approach envisioned by Vuzix is also extensible to full-color displays and curved visors. The successful development of HWVD will allow the Air Force to field a lightweight head-mounted display (HMD) with the high acuity and field of view required by the warfighter. HWVDs have the potential to supersede existing display technologies, particularly in the defense and entertainment markets, much like the LCD has superseded the CRT. The HWVD is expected to be a near term replacement for aircraft helmet mounted displays, ground soldier head-mounted displays, training and simulation devices, and consumer video eyewear. BENEFIT: Development of the HWVD will allow the Air Force to field a lightweight HMD with the high acuity and field of view desired by the warfighter. Additional military applications such as light weight, high performance HMDs for ground forces, unmanned vehicle piloting and covert surveillance exist. Commercial applications range from mobile computing and consumer gaming to industrial inspection systems and next generation Televisions.