An optical master is created by using a nanoimprint alignment layer to pattern a liquid crystal layer. The nanoimprint alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer constitute the optical master. The optical master is positioned above a photo-alignment layer. The optical master is illuminated and light propagating through the nanoimprinted alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer is diffracted and subsequently strikes the photo-alignment layer. The incident diffracted light causes the pattern in the liquid crystal layer to be transferred to the photo-alignment layer. A second liquid crystal layer is deposited onto the patterned photo-alignment layer, which subsequently is used to align the molecules of the second liquid crystal layer. The second liquid crystal layer in the patterned photo-alignment layer may be utilized as a replica optical master, or as a diffractive optical element for directing light in optical devices such as augmented reality display devices.

Provided are methods for replication (copying) of volume Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) using a master hologram in optical contact with a prism, wherein the master hologram comprises distinct object and reference beam coupling elements, and wherein in the replication process light is coupled from one face of the prism and transmitted through another face of the prism using the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements. Methods for making the master hologram by sequentially forming the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements therein are provided. Further methods for encoding aperture functions directly to the master hologram are provided. Yet further methods provide for forming a copy HOE in an array configuration using a step-and-repeat method wherein the copy HOE is translated laterally by a specified distance before the next exposure is made.

Provided are methods for replication (copying) of volume Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) using a master hologram in optical contact with a prism, wherein the master hologram comprises distinct object and reference beam coupling elements, and wherein in the replication process light is coupled from one face of the prism and transmitted through another face of the prism using the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements. Methods for making the master hologram by sequentially forming the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements therein are provided. Further methods for encoding aperture functions directly to the master hologram are provided. Yet further methods provide for forming a copy HOE in an array configuration using a step-and-repeat method wherein the copy HOE is translated laterally by a specified distance before the next exposure is made.

A holographic projector and method of holographic projection is disclosed. A first array of light-modulating pixels displays a first hologram and a second array of light-modulating pixels displays second hologram. A first light source illuminates the first array of pixels such that a first holographic reconstruction, comprising a first zero-order replay field, is formed on a replay plane and a second light source illuminates the second array of pixels such that a second holographic reconstruction, comprising a second zero-order replay field, is formed on the replay plane. Real image content of the first holographic reconstruction is restricted to a first sub-area of the first zero-order replay field and real image content of the second holographic reconstruction is restricted to a first sub-area of the second zero-order replay field. The holographic projector is arranged such that the first zero-order replay field and the second zero-order replay field are no more than partially overlapping. The first sub-area of the first zero-order replay field and the first sub-area of the second zero-order replay field form a continuous display area of the holographic projector.

Methods and systems for forming holographic gratings are described herein. The methods and systems may decrease the amount of haze produced during exposure of a holographic recording medium. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include a holographic recording medium; a master hologram containing a grating; and a light source and moveable deflector configured to diffract light through the master hologram into the holographic medium to form a holographic interference pattern. The moveable deflector is configured to move in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the grating. Advantageously, moving the light in this direction allows the holographic interference pattern to remain stationary while there is a spatio-temporal displacement and cancellation of unwanted intensity nonuniformities.

A near-eye display device includes an image source, a waveguide, and a controller. The waveguide is configured to propagate light received the image source to a user of the near-eye display device, and includes a holographic grating comprising a plurality of angularly multiplexed holograms. The controller is configured to control display of an image via the image source.

Provided are methods for replication (copying) of volume Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) using a master hologram in optical contact with a prism, wherein the master hologram comprises distinct object and reference beam coupling elements, and wherein in the replication process light is coupled from one face of the prism and transmitted through another face of the prism using the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements. Methods for making the master hologram by sequentially forming the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements therein are provided. Further methods for encoding aperture functions directly to the master hologram are provided. Yet further methods provide for forming a copy HOE in an array configuration using a step-and-repeat method wherein the copy HOE is translated laterally by a specified distance before the next exposure is made.

Provided are methods for replication (copying) of volume Holographic Optical Elements (HOE) using a master hologram in optical contact with a prism, wherein the master hologram comprises distinct object and reference beam coupling elements, and wherein in the replication process light is coupled from one face of the prism and transmitted through another face of the prism using the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements. Methods for making the master hologram by sequentially forming the distinct object and reference beam coupling elements therein are provided. Further methods for encoding aperture functions directly to the master hologram are provided. Yet further methods provide for forming a copy HOE in an array configuration using a step-and-repeat method wherein the copy HOE is translated laterally by a specified distance before the next exposure is made.

Disclosed herein is a consumer laser light device for producing laser light effects with the use of an optical effects wheel. In some respects, the disclosure is direct to a device for selectively providing one of multiple optical effects manipulating a laser beam, including an optical effects wheel positioned in the light path, the optical effects wheel having a first optical effect engraved on a first portion of the optical effects wheel and a second optical effect engraved on a second portion of the optical effects wheel, wherein the first portion and the second portion partially overlap. The optical effects wheel may be further modified to ensure that the device complies with consumer safety requirements for laser light devices.

In some implementations, an optical master is created by using a nanoimprint alignment layer to pattern a liquid crystal layer. The nanoimprint alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer constitute the optical master. The optical master is positioned above a photo-alignment layer. The optical master is illuminated and light propagating through the nanoimprinted alignment layer and the liquid crystal layer is diffracted and subsequently strikes the photo-alignment layer. The incident diffracted light causes the pattern in the liquid crystal layer to be transferred to the photo-alignment layer. A second liquid crystal layer is deposited onto the patterned photo-alignment layer, which subsequently is used to align the molecules of the second liquid crystal layer. In some implementations, the second liquid crystal layer in the patterned photo-alignment layer may be utilized as a replica optical master or as a diffractive optical element, such as for directing light in optical devices such as display devices, including augmented reality display devices.