See-through reflective optical elements with embedded wavelike films.

Abstract

The recently proposed optical elements containing semitransparent wavelike films embedded into the transparent material are investigated. Such optical elements do not distort a wave transmitted through them. Novel optical elements can be fabricated using well-known embossing methods. Their possible applications are discussed. The optical elements containing holographic wavelike films can be used for color holography, for augmented reality wearable glasses, as a beam combiner for head-up displays. The optical elements containing diffuse wavelike films can be used as an alternative for tinted car windows, instead of mirror-glass windows in high-rise buildings, for shop-windows, for one-way privacy windows, for printing images on eyeglasses. The scheme of a waveguide display with a single-layer holographic wavelike films is analyzed. The feasibility of the proposed applications is verified by estimation of the optical elements’ parameters and computer simulation, and measurements conducted on an experimental specimen.