See-through reflective optical elements with embedded wavelike films

TL;DR

This paper investigates transparent optical elements with embedded wavelike films, exploring their fabrication, properties, and potential applications in holography, augmented reality, privacy windows, and display technologies, supported by simulations and experiments.

Contribution

It introduces novel transparent optical elements with embedded wavelike films, detailing their fabrication methods, properties, and diverse practical applications.

Findings

Optical elements do not distort transmitted waves.

Feasibility confirmed through simulations and measurements.

Potential for use in holography, AR glasses, and privacy windows.

Abstract

The recently proposed optical elements containing semitransparent wavelike films embedded into the transparent material are investigated. Such optical elements do not distort a wave transmitted through them. Novel optical elements can be fabricated using well-known embossing methods. Their possible applications are discussed. The optical elements containing holographic wavelike films can be used for color holography, for augmented reality wearable glasses, as a beam combiner for head-up displays. The optical elements containing diffuse wavelike films can be used as an alternative for tinted car windows, instead of mirror-glass windows in high-rise buildings, for shop-windows, for one-way privacy windows, for printing images on eyeglasses. The scheme of a waveguide display with a single-layer holographic wavelike films is analyzed. The feasibility of the proposed applications is verified by estimation of the optical elements parameters and computer simulation, and measurements conducted on an experimental specimen.