Holographic Waveguide Visor Display (HWVD)

The objective of this Phase I proposal is to develop a binocular see-through HWVD reference design. The optical system will couple a state of the art high resolution 1920x1080 LCOS microdisplay with a state of the art holographic waveguide. The optical design will attempt to utilize the entire LCOS display to yield 1920x1080 resolution. Utilization of the waveguide will allow for a wide 40 degree (diagonal) FOV, while having a large 30x30 mm eyebox. With the advantages obtained by use of the optical waveguide and the small LCOS microdisplay, the proposed HWVD system should enable significant cost, volume, and weight reductions as compared to existing designs. The design will also address power and efficiency requirements consistent for a pilot HMD system. The proposed design will take advantage of the commercial viability of high resolution displays developed for the consumer HDTV market, which allows for panel costs at a fraction of what was available previously. Use of an LED light source will allow for utilization of specific wavelengths tailored to specific applications, and allow for any high brightness requirements. Looking at the waveguide roadmap, the design team will outline a path towards a full color HWVD with a larger FOV. BENEFIT: Production of a low cost binocular helmet mounted display using holographic waveguide and LCOS technology that can be used in multiple military and commercial applications.