Laser-Illuminated Sub-Image Scanning High Resolution Light Engine

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to dramatically increase the resolution and field-of-view of helmet-mounted-display (HMD) light engines over those based on miniature CRTs, LCDs, microdisplays, and laser scanned displays. POC proposes to developa new full color high resolution HMD light engine based on laser illumination, a high speed CMOS-LCD spatial light modulator (SLM), with frame scanning. The proposed approach multiplies the resolution (to 4k x 4k pixels) from a relatively low resolutionminiature-LCD, taking advantage of its high refresh speed. The technology is made commercially attractive by its unique integration of available commercial components and low cost fabrication techniques. The Phase I effort developed a compactLaser-Illuminated Sub-Image Scanning (LASIS) light engine demonstration unit in which COTS components such as laser diodes and CMOS-LCD microdisplays are integrated with POC's liquid crystal digital scanners to generate color sequential full resolutionimages for U.S. Air Force simulator HMDs. In Phase I, POC demonstrated the feasibility of the approach through design, analysis, and an experimental proof-of-concept demonstration, preparing for the proposed Phase II prototyping, demonstration, andtesting of a preproduction light engine.