University of Arizona

Benjamin D Chrysler

Raymond K Kostuk

Jianbo Zhao

Methods and systems are described that enable manufacturing of holograms with high spatial frequencies and allow composite master holograms to be formed in reflection configurations. An example system for replicating transmission-type holographic elements includes one or more prisms positioned to receive an illumination beam on a first face. A composite master holographic element is positioned in contact with a second face of the one or more prisms to receive the illumination beam after propagation through he one or more prisms. The composite master hologram includes a reference beam component and an object beam component. The replication hologram is positioned in contact with a third face of the one or more prisms to receive, upon illumination of the master HOE by the illumination beam, a holographic exposure comprising first order diffracted illumination from both the reference beam component and object beam component at an exposure region of the copy HOE.

Systems and methods for manufacturing and replicating holographic optical elements and holographic waveguide couplers

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.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Benjamin D Chrysler