Achromatic multi-zone metalens for AR/VR systems

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) hardware is composed of optical elements, displays, sensors and electronics. Optics in particular are highly important to the quality and experience of AR/VR, and classical optical devices impose limitations on the advancement of these systems, rending them bulky, heavy, and expensive to manufacture.

Researchers from the Capasso lab have developed a large RGB achromatic metalens and a compact AR/VR system based on fiber scanning display. The lab previously invented achromatic metalenses that work across the entire visible spectrum, which had previously only been achieved by stacking multiple lenses. The present invention allows that technology to work at a scale relevant to AR/VR systems. This new optical system solves a common issue of chromatic aberration in traditional lenses. Additionally, the use of flat optics enables a system that is lightweight and scalable to manufacture.

This system which combines meta-optics and new display technology represents a new platform for AR/VR, with applications including gaming, communications, education, traffic navigation, and medical surgery.

This work was published in Science Advances and highlighted by Harvard SEAS.

U.S. Patent(s) Issued:

This system from the Capasso Lab at SEAS combines meta-optics and new display technology represents a new platform for AR/VR.