What They Say
We reported yesterday on new spaceplates which can compress optical paths by reducing the space needed between lenses. (Ottawa researchers develop ‘barrel-eliminating’ optical element)
What We Think
It was only after posting yesterday’s article that I had a ‘Doh!’ moment when I realised that the technology could be a real boost for the optics in VR/headsets . Although there is lots of work going on in pancake optics, (we reported on Kopin’s new material Kopin Outlines Material for Pancake Optics) there are difficult challenges in getting good efficiency and avoiding ghost images. If the Canadian researchers can compress the space between lenses, they could reduce the weight of headsets, but also reduce the bulk, which could move the weight nearer to the face, which would be less uncomfortable.
In digging around about this topic, I spotted that Karl Guttag has an extensive (as always!) blog on his site talking about the pros and cons of the DigiLens waveguide technology after he visited the firm.
Of course, the concept of the spaceplate is still at an early stage, but it is an interesting concept! (BR)
