Light engine design for nonlinear wavemixing AR displays
Light engine design for nonlinear wavemixing AR displays
Nonlinear wavemixing is a novel approach for building augmented reality (AR) displays, offering the potential for bright and immersive experiences. This technology presents unique design considerations due to its use of two synchronized, pulsed infrared laser beams and its sensitivity to light polarization. We present our work on developing light engines for these displays using both LCOS and DLP spatial light modulators. Our work focuses on meeting the distinct challenges of using nanosecond-pulsed IR illumination, from ensuring component compatibility to managing coherent light. We also leverage the polarization-dependent nature of the wavemixing process to reduce component count, paving the way for more compact and efficient AR systems.
Bannerman, Rex
7f7d5c3e-8e5d-45d5-8fd7-8d1511330e08
Tawy, Goronwy
be5a54aa-e151-460f-8f1f-3a99ae4fe540
Gawith, Corin
926665c0-84c7-4a1d-ae19-ee6d7d14c43e
Smith, Peter G.R.
8979668a-8b7a-4838-9a74-1a7cfc6665f6
19 January 2026
Bannerman, Rex
7f7d5c3e-8e5d-45d5-8fd7-8d1511330e08
Tawy, Goronwy
be5a54aa-e151-460f-8f1f-3a99ae4fe540
Gawith, Corin
926665c0-84c7-4a1d-ae19-ee6d7d14c43e
Smith, Peter G.R.
8979668a-8b7a-4838-9a74-1a7cfc6665f6
Bannerman, Rex, Tawy, Goronwy, Gawith, Corin and Smith, Peter G.R.
(2026)
Light engine design for nonlinear wavemixing AR displays.
Photonics West 2026, , San Francisco, United States.
17 - 22 Jan 2026.
Record type:
Conference or Workshop Item
(Poster)
Abstract
Nonlinear wavemixing is a novel approach for building augmented reality (AR) displays, offering the potential for bright and immersive experiences. This technology presents unique design considerations due to its use of two synchronized, pulsed infrared laser beams and its sensitivity to light polarization. We present our work on developing light engines for these displays using both LCOS and DLP spatial light modulators. Our work focuses on meeting the distinct challenges of using nanosecond-pulsed IR illumination, from ensuring component compatibility to managing coherent light. We also leverage the polarization-dependent nature of the wavemixing process to reduce component count, paving the way for more compact and efficient AR systems.
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Published date: 19 January 2026
Venue - Dates:
Photonics West 2026, , San Francisco, United States, 2026-01-17 - 2026-01-22
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 510745
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/510745
PURE UUID: c17e3962-9ab8-4af4-8455-d690377927f8
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Date deposited: 21 Apr 2026 16:33
Last modified: 22 Apr 2026 01:58
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