Plastic polarizing beam splitter combiner and anamorphic intermediate image optical system for AR glasses

Abstract

We have developed augmented reality (AR) glasses that can be used outdoors for long periods of time. To enable this outdoor usage, both high light utilization efficiency and high transmittance are required. Polarizing beam splitter coatings with characteristics that correspond to the visible wavelength range are used to achieve 75% transmittance and 2% light utilization efficiency. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the burden on the wearer's nose to allow them to use the device for extended periods of time. The combiner and the lenses are made from plastic, and an anamorphic optical system is used in which the position of the pupil of the incident optical system differs in two cross-sections oriented perpendicular to the optical axis. As a result, the weight of the entire optical system is only 20 g for both eyes, despite the full-color imaging capability.