Keywords

Virtual Reality Displays; Liquid Crystal Optics

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are revolutionizing the way humans interact with digital information. However, current near-eye display systems still face critical challenges regarding optical efficiency, image quality, and device weight. This dissertation focuses on addressing these limitations through innovative liquid-crystal (LC) optics and system-level design strategies to achieve high-efficiency and compact VR displays.

First, to solve the longstanding problem of severe chromatic aberrations in ultrathin LC optics, I proposed an achromatic diffractive LC device. By stacking three LC layers with specifically designed spectral responses and polarization selectivity, I successfully reduced the chromatic aberrations. This idea enables diffractive lenses to be used for high-quality, full-color imaging. Second, I addressed the low optical efficiency of pancake lens systems, which is traditionally limited by the use of a half-mirror. I proposed a new folded optical structure that incorporates two polarization-selective cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) reflectors. This idea recycles the light that is usually wasted, doubling the theoretical efficiency. Third, I investigated the origins of ghost images and stray light that degrade image contrast in pancake optics. By analyzing the light paths and the impact of incident angles through both simulations and experiments, I identified the key causes of these artifacts. This study provides essential guidelines for improving the viewing quality and contrast ratio of current VR headsets. Fourth, to handle the high data and rendering burdens of wide-field-of-view displays, I demonstrated a foveated VR system integrated with a pancake lens. By using polarization-multiplexing to create different light paths for the fovea and peripheral regions, I achieved higher efficiency in the periphery while maintaining high resolution at the center. Finally, I analyzed the impact of the display panel’s emission cone on system efficiency and proposed a method to tailor the angular distribution of the light before it enters the pancake lens.

This dissertation connects diffractive LC optics with innovative system designs. These contributions provide a practical path toward developing VR displays that are highly efficient, clear in image quality, and compact in formfactor.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Shin-Tson Wu

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Format

PDF

Document Type

Dissertation

Identifier

DP0053091

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.