Using Zemax, VividQ introduces Computer-generated Holography to Augmented Reality Devices

Holography is no longer the stuff of science fiction. Modern optics make it possible to transpose complex patterns of light into realistic 3D images that can be projected through various devices. This process of engineering light to create 3D projections is known as computer-generated holography (CGH). The consumer and industrial electronics markets make practical use of CGH and optical design, building devices that can inform, entertain, and keep us safe. These include wearable devices for augmented reality (AR) and head-up displays that simulate the surrounding driving environment in cars and other vehicles.

Challenges

To successfully utilize the benefits of CGH in their devices, VividQ’s customers must house optical systems capable of maintaining high levels of precision, even when the mechanics are scaled down to a very small size. Performance of AR devices with CGH is tied to granular control: the greater precision optical designers can achieve, the more convincing and realistic the resulting holographic user experience. For example, for truly immersive high-performance gaming devices, an optical design should account for accurate field-of-view (FoV) and depth-of-field (DoF) parameters that most AR devices currently on the market fail to achieve.

Engineering Solution

• Aberration correction. The VividQ SDK allows for software correction of optical aberrations. To take maximal advantage of this, VividQ were able to model this behavior in OpticStudio, resulting in diffraction-limited performance using only stock lenses.
• Tolerancing. Complying with required manufacturing tolerances for the new hardware meant having a clear understanding of system performance under various conditions, and the ability to test multiple lens options rapidly and iteratively.

Benefits

The simplicity of this end-to-end process makes computer-generated holography an easily accessible display technology to original design manufacturers (ODMs) that want to design and manufacture high-performance AR products but feel intimidated by the complexity of CGH design.