Design of Si3N4 waveguides and components to form an integrated optical network for retinal projection in thin augmented reality glasses

Basile Meynard; Christophe Martinez; Daivid Fowler; Engin Molva

doi:10.1117/12.2523648

27 February 2019 Design of Si₃N₄ waveguides and components to form an integrated optical network for retinal projection in thin augmented reality glasses

Basile Meynard, Christophe Martinez, Daivid Fowler, Engin Molva

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11040, Optical Design Challenge 2019; 1104004 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2523648
Event: SPIE Optical Design Challenge, 2019, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We developed a novel concept of retinal projection for augmented reality (AR) glasses combining optical integrated optics and holography. Our thin and lens-free concept overcomes limitations of current AR devices such as bulky optics and limited field-of-view. The integrated circuit is transparent and guide visible wavelengths by using Si₃N₄ as the core material of the waveguides. This work presents a detailed description of the optical principles behind the concept, including the self-focusing effect. Furthermore, we present the design of the first building blocks used for the optical integrated circuit at a visible wavelength (λ = 532 nm): single-mode waveguides, bent waveguides, cross-talk, grating couplers and MMI splitters (MultiMode Interference). Numerical simulation results of each component are presented. A prototype combining these optical building blocks in a 1024 waveguide array is designed to provide future experimental proof of concept of our retinal projection concept. In addition to this prototype, test structures are inserted on a photolithography mask to experimentally validate the simulations of each optical building block in future work. Next steps of development will include densifying the integrated optical architecture using serial coupling effects and multiple waveguide layers.

Citation Download Citation

Basile Meynard, Christophe Martinez, Daivid Fowler, and Engin Molva "Design of Si₃N₄ waveguides and components to form an integrated optical network for retinal projection in thin augmented reality glasses", Proc. SPIE 11040, Optical Design Challenge 2019, 1104004 (27 February 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2523648

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available