A Novel Retinal Scanning System Based on Miniature Liquid Crystal SLM Device Microbeam Generator

Physical Optics Corporation (POC), proposes to develop a novel retinal scanning system based on the Parallel REtinal Scanning by ENsemble of Source Element (PRESENSE) concept. In this concept, the present limitations on resolution and field of view (FOV) of retinal scanning systems are overcome by providing highly parallel microbeam scanning in one direction (y) only. Specifically, this system is composed of: (1) a high-speed (ms switching) high-resolution (<10 mm pixel) one-dimensional array CMOS-based spatial-light-modulator (CMOS) chip; (2) a microholographic optical element (mHOE) beam-forming module; (3) a miniature, monolithic LC microbeam scanner (LC-MBS) based on POC's proven technology, and, (4) an off-axis reflective holographic optical element (RHOE) based on POC's well developed volume holographic technology. The device has potential to provide very high resolution (5120 x 4096), 3-color (RGB) grey-level images at wide FOV (~120o) at a flicker-free image refresh rate. The system can be very compact and lightweight; can operate with no moving parts; requires low-voltage (0 - 10v) drives; and is directly compatible with standard display formats. All of these features can be achieved with presently available commercial materials and components. The proposed retinal scanning system will be extremely valuable to the advancement of head mounted display technology. Applications include virtual environment training, robotics, avionics, medicine, education, CAD application, video conferencing, entertainment and video games.