Development of an ultra-compact optical combiner for augmented reality using geometric phase lenses

Abstract

We present an ultra-compact optical combiner using a waveguide and geometric phase lenses (GPL) for augmented reality displays. By sandwiching the output coupler of a planar waveguide between two flat, thin GPLs, we create two optical sub-systems with different optical powers for displaying the virtual objects and transmitting the ambient light rays, respectively. We implemented our method in a scanning-based Maxwellian display and demonstrated the augmentation of an all-in-focus Maxwellian-view image with real-world objects within a 15° field of view. Our device is light (50 g) and thin (4 mm), making it well suited for wearable applications.