Augmented Reality Near-Eye Display System Based on Cylindrical Holographic Waveguide

Augmented reality near eye display technologies based on holographic waveguide can directly provide user's eyes with virtual and real image fusion information and a relatively compact form factor; these have been developed rapidly in recent years. However, the reported displays of the near-eye holographic waveguide mostly adopt a flat waveguide structure, which require additional curved goggles, and thus the system volume is relatively large. Therefore, based on a cylindrical holographic waveguide, this paper proposes an augmented reality near-eye display method to extend the neareye display based on the traditional flat holographic waveguide to a curved shape. Furthermore, a holographic exposure preparation method for this cylindrical waveguide is proposed , followed by the fabrication of the cylindrical waveguide. Finally, a bench-top experimental system for the near-eye display is set up using the cylindrical holographic waveguide. Investigations revealed that the novel waveguide achieved an augmented reality display effect, with an exit pupil size of approximately 10 mm and a monocular field of view of approximately 24 degrees. Therefore, we propose that this improved holographic waveguide will provide a technical basis for combining curved waveguides with curved goggles.