Holographically Printed Freeform Mirror Array for Augmented Reality Near-eye Display

Abstract: We propose augmented reality (AR) near-eye display using a holographically printed freeform mirror array. A wide depth of field AR system is implemented by the retinal projection via a small mirror array. Since we use a holographic mirror array, more advantages over a traditional physical mirror array are achieved. Due to the see-through characteristics of the holographic optical element (HOE), the array structure does not obstruct the sight of an observer. Also, the holographic printing technique for the freeform mirror array enables a wide depth of field system without using a floating lens and compensates for the astigmatism of the HOE. The detailed design method of the freeform mirror array HOE is presented. Through the retinal image simulations and the experimental results, the feasibility of the proposed method is verified.