No abstract

We demonstrate a full-range complex and transmissive spatial light modulator (SLM) for simultaneous and independent amplitude and phase modulation of an input wave field. Arbitrary scalar complex optical fields are generated by stacking a pixelated liquid crystal display operating in phase-only (2π) modulation with passive polarization-sensitive components. The principle is based on optical combining the light fields of two neighboring phase-only modulating pixels, which were made orthogonally polarized by a structured half-wave plate, then passing through a birefringent plate to laterally shift one of the beams collinear to the other, and finally bringing to interference by a linear polarizer. Complex modulation by the proposed SLM is experimentally verified in monochrome green operation.

3D displays comprise stereoscopic displays and holographic displays. Eye convergence and accommodation are important depth cues for human vision. Stereoscopic displays provide only convergence information whereas holographic displays also provide accommodation information. Due to the inherently better 3D quality we consider holographic displays as the preferred alternative to stereoscopic displays. Our new approach to holographic displays omits unnecessary wavefront information and significantly reduces the requirements on the resolution of the spatial light modulator and the computation effort compared to conventional holographic displays. We verified our concept with holographic display prototypes and measurements. SeeReal's approach makes holographic displays feasible as a consumer product for mass-market applications.

Dependence on sub-micron pixel pitch and super-computing have prohibited practical solutions for large size holographic displays until recently. SeeReal Technologies has developed a new approach to holographic displays significantly reducing these requirements. This concept is applicable to large "direct view" holographic displays as well as to projection designs.Principles, advantages and selected solutions for holographic projection systems will be explained. Based on results from practical prototypes, advantageous new features, as large size full-color real-time holographic 3D scenes generated at high frame rates on micro displays with state of the art resolution will be presented.

No abstract