Emerging mixed-reality (MR) applications demand a natural visual experience with an increased depth range from touching distance to the horizon - without physiological side effects like eye fatigue, misjudgement, motion sickness and accommodation-vergence conflict, which are known from alternative and intermediate technologies such as stereoscopic 3D. The required natural visual experience can only be achieved with real holographic displays which have been principally demonstrated on the base of available component technologies. One crucial component, the spatial light modulator (SLM), is currently based on liquid crystal display technology which is the limiting factor on the performance of first generation real holographic projection prototype set-ups.
In REALHOLO we will develop a new type of SLM, for a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)- based reflective micro-display: a micro mirror array component with a unique set of properties which is especially suited for real holographic MR displays but also for many other applications from high value to high volume. The SLM will allow a precise forming of the wave-front of reflected visible light by millions of individually movable mirrors of the piston type at a speed far beyond the human perception and with a quality that is superior to liquid crystal-based equivalents.
The improved quality of the modulated light and its impact on the quality of holographic image generation will be measured and demonstrated with individual SLMs and with integrated validation systems.
The new SLM will, besides the MEMS technology, be based on conventional semiconductor technologies, both digital and analogue, and advanced packaging techniques. The package will provide the electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical interfaces to the holographic system.
The SLM is the key enabling element for real holographic projection systems that are compact, energy efficient, and have unique imaging features and quality - impossible with today’s state-of-the-art. REALHOLO will demonstrate the SLM’s advantages in a real holographic MR application implemented as a head-up display (HUD) module for future vehicles.
Fully featured holographic HUD incorporating a sophisticated new MEMS-based SLM will provide an unique user experience but will be made at higher cost than common standard HUD, which only provide flat 2D information somewhere in front of a driver - at least initially. In order to provide additional options for swift market introduction of the new HUD systems, variants of different complexity and feature specifications will be conceptually designed and investigated.
At the end of the project, the achieved technology readiness level (TRL) will be 5. Our developments aim at producing fully functional demonstration prototypes of the SLM and of a real holographic MR display system. Prototypes will be thoroughly evaluated at different stages during the project. This evaluation will then allow to determine the necessary steps to obtain final versions for product commercialization. The REALHOLO consortium with support of its Industrial (Advisory) Board represent the complete value chain for manufacturing and commercialization in Europe.
