Monolithically Formed Curved Polymer Diffractive Optical Waveguides for Augmented Reality Displays

Dr. Julie Frish, Senior Research Engineer at Magic Leap

Presentation Abstract

Currently, the majority of commercially available diffractive waveguides for augmented reality applications are built on high index glass. These waveguides have their out-coupled light focused at infinity and use a set of push-pull refractive lenses to set a depth plane for the virtual content. Substituting polymer materials for glass holds the promise of reducing weight and cost,while increasing durability. The flexibility of polymer allows for the curving of waveguides, further reducing the overall weight and complexity of the device. By creating the nanostructures and substrate monolithically, the cost of shipping fragile and costly glass is eliminated and the carbon footprint is reduced.

Building upon the knowledge and infrastructure gained from the creation of waveguides for Magic Leap 1 and 2, we have fabricated similar structures in a high index polymer (nd>1.7). We have leveraged the simulation, mastering, and imprint methods currently used for Magic Leap devices along with a UV curable resin to rapidly create waveguides with a 50 degree diagonal field of view and a 1.3 diopter focal length. The waveguides are formed using molds derived from nanoimprint lithography techniques to create a free-standing, patterned waveguide with micron-level thickness variation. The lower density polymer eyepiece is more than 50% lighter than a comparable glass eyepiece, with the weight reduction extended further by not needing the refractives. Although the field of view is reduced from high-index glass based designs, a low-cost, lightweight, and more robust polymer eyepiece presents opportunities for alternative markets.

Dr. Julie Frish, Senior Research Engineer at Magic Leap

Julie has been with Magic Leap for over 3 years as a Senior Research Engineer. She is part of the Waveguide Materials R&D Team, exploring material options for use as substrates in AR eyepieces. Her focus is primarily on the fabrication, metrology, and test of polymer waveguides. Prior to Magic Leap, Julie completed her PhD at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona with a dissertation on polymer waveguides and tapers for photonic integrated circuits.