Scientists have developed a compact device that can fit in ordinary glasses, solving a key problem in holographic displays – creating the most realistic holograms. The breakthrough lies in the use of holographic lenses, a departure from the traditional spatial light modulators (SLMs) typically used for hologram creation. SLMs, often based on liquid crystal/silicon displays, have constrained current holographic technologies to flat screens with limited viewing zones.
One of the drawbacks of SLMs is the limited viewing angle, which causes light from the device to become invisible beyond a certain point due to diffraction. In contrast, holographic lenses ensure that the light field is always in front of the viewer, regardless of their angle of view, ensuring that light never disappears. This innovation eliminates the need for bulky VR headsets, as the devices can be reduced to the size of ordinary lenses, paving the way for thinner and more accessible VR and AR displays.
While the technology is not expected to hit the market soon, the potential for fully realistic holograms, once thought unattainable, is within reach thanks to this discovery. The advancement brings us closer to a future where holographic lenses could be integrated into everyday glasses, transforming how we interact with holographic displays.
For more information on this discovery, you can refer to the original study published in Nature Communications.