Design method and simulation of large field-of-view diffractive waveguide displays

A diffractive waveguide-based optical combiner is one of the most commonly used elements to construct head mount AR displays. This paper proposes a design method for a compact and wide field-of-view layout for an AR-applicable diffractive waveguide. The layout design utilizes multiplexed 1D gratings as both the exit pupil expander (EPE) and the out-coupler, combined with minimum-sized 2D grating to improve image uniformity and deliver a better user experience. The design outcome is optimized and simulated in LightTools and RSoft. The result has indicated the feasibility of a compact and 60 degrees FOV design of a diffractive waveguide AR display with a 12 mm x 10 mm eye box.