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Analysis of Pupil Aiming Illumination Scheme for AR Waveguide Combiner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Exit pupil expansion (EPE) is commonly used in AR waveguide combiners to create an eyebox large enough to accommodate variations in human pupil size and interpupillary distance (IPD). However, EPE suffers from poor light-transfer efficiency, wasting a significant fraction of the display’s output. Here, we propose a novel pupil-aiming illumination scheme that in theory directs substantial higher amount of light radiating from light engine into the user’s eye pupil. We develop a 1st order theoretical model of its light-transfer efficiency and show that, in principle, it can approach 25% utilization—dramatically outperforming traditional EPE that is on the order of only a coupler of percentage. Our analysis underscores the urgent need to adopt pupil-aiming illumination as a new architectural paradigm for high-efficiency AR waveguide combiners.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationODS 2025
Subtitle of host publicationIndustrial Optical Devices and Systems
EditorsYuzuru Takashima, Kazuyoshi Yamazaki
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510691285
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 17 2025
EventIndustrial Optical Devices and Systems, ODS 2025 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 3 2025Aug 3 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13610
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceIndustrial Optical Devices and Systems, ODS 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/3/258/3/25

Keywords

  • active eyebox
  • active waveguide combiner
  • AR display
  • illumination for waveguide

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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