Open AccessCompensator design for polarization state management in waveguide displays based on polarization volume gratings
Author(s) -
Xiayu Feng,
Lu Lu,
YunHan Lee,
Philip J. Bos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.421109
Subject(s) - optics , polarization (electrochemistry) , waveguide , multiplexing , circular polarization , physics , polarization rotator , materials science , optoelectronics , computer science , telecommunications , birefringence , chemistry , microstrip
In this work, we focus on the polarization state management in optical devices using optical elements based on circular polarization. As an example, we point out the issue in a waveguide display using circular polarization optical elements as input/output couplers, where the polarization state of the light can change as it propagates in the waveguide due to total internal reflection (TIR). This has a negative effect on the waveguide output coupler efficiency, image uniformity, and the polarization multiplexing capability. To address this problem, we discussed two different methods to compensate the polarization state change. With the compensator applied to correct the polarization state change in the waveguide, the optical elements based on circular polarization can be used with their advantages as input/output couplers for waveguide displays.