Optical See-through 2D/3D Compatible Display Using Variable-Focus Lens and Multiplexed Holographic Optical Elements

An optical see-through two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) compatible display using variable-focus lens and multiplexed holographic optical elements (MHOE) is presented. It mainly consists of a MHOE, a variable-focus lens and a projection display device. The customized MHOE, by using the angular multiplexing technology of volumetric holographic grating, records the scattering wavefront and spherical wavefront array required for 2D/3D compatible display. In particular, we proposed a feasible method to switch the 2D and 3D display modes by using a variable-focus lens in the reconstruction process. The proposed system solves the problem of bulky volume, and makes the MHOE more efficient to use. Based on the requirements of 2D and 3D displays, we calculated the liquid pumping volume of the variable-focus lens under two kinds of diopters.

Comparative analysis of methods for calibration of aShack-Hartmann wavefront sensor

This paper is devoted to a comparative analysis of the methods for calibrating the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor: on the plane wavefront (calibration by turning the sensor) and spherical wavefront (absolute calibration). For comparison, a gen-eral analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of calibration methods was carried out, including the creation of a reference wavefront and the determination of the ex-act geometric parameters of the sensor. The geometric parameters of the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor are used in the reconstruction of the measured wave-front and determine such parameters of the Shack-Hartmann sensor as the dynamic range and sensitivity. Also, for numerical comparison, an analysis of the errors of the dynamic range, determined by aberrations such as tilt and defocus, was carried out, and the dependences of these errors on the error of the geometric parameters of the sensor were constructed.

Dual-View Integral Imaging 3D Display Based on Multiplexed Lens-Array Holographic Optical Element

We propose a dual-view integral imaging 3D display based on a multiplexed lens-array holographic optical element (MHOE). A MHOE is a volume holographic optical element obtained by multiplexing technology, which can be used for dual-view integral imaging 3D display due to the angle selectivity of the volume HOE. In the fabrication of the MHOE, two spherical wavefront arrays with different incident angles are recorded using photopolymer material. In the reconstruction, two projectors are used to project the elemental image arrays (EIA) with corresponding angles for two viewing zones. We have developed a prototype of the dual-view integral imaging display. The experimental results demonstrate the correctness of the theory.

How to better focus waves by considering symmetry and information loss

We amend the general belief that waves with extended spherical wavefront focus at their center of curvature. Instead, when the spherical symmetry of waves is broken by propagating them through a finite aperture along an average direction, the forward/backward symmetry is broken and the focal volume shifts its center backward along that direction. The extent of this focal shift increases as smaller apertures are used, up to the point that the nominal focal plane is out of focus. Furthermore, the loss of axial symmetry with noncircular apertures causes distinct focal shifts in distinct axial planes, and the resulting astigmatism possibly degrades the axial focusing resolution. Using experiments and simulations, focal shift with noncircular apertures is described for classical and temporal focusing. The usefulness of these conclusions to improve imaging resolution is demonstrated in a high-resolution optical microscopy application, namely line-temporal focusing microscopy. These conclusions follow from fundamental symmetries of the wave geometry and matter for an increasing number of emerging optical techniques. This work offers a general framework and strategy to understand and improve virtually any wave-based application whose efficacy depends on optimal focusing and may be helpful when information is transmitted by waves in applications from electromagnetic communications, to biological and astronomical imaging, to lithography and even warfare.