USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Peak Nano Optics LLC

Richard Flynn

James S Shirk

Guy Beadie

Predrag Milojkovic

Joseph Mait

Howard Fein

Michael Ponting

James Welsh

Jame “Chad” C Lewis

Three or more base optical materials are selectively combined into a trans-gradient index (GRIN) optical element (e.g., a lens). A wavelength-dependent index of refraction for light propagating perpendicular to the three or more optical materials equals: a volume fraction of a first optical material multiplied by a refractive index of the first optical material, plus a volume fraction of a second optical material multiplied by a refractive index of the second optical material, plus one minus the volume fraction of the first optical material and the volume of the second optical material all multiplied by the refractive index of a third optical material. The wavelength-dependent index of refraction distribution and a refractive index dispersion through the GRIN optical element may be independently specified from one another. A local refractive index at any point in the optical element is a fixed function of a refractive index of each individual optical material.

Independent control of both index and dispersion in gradient index optics

A virtual reality headset incorporating gradient refractive index (GRIN) lenses within the optical blocks thereof. Optical blocks of varying size and position are used. GRIN lenses are fabricated to fit within the optical block and are shaped to possess desired application-specific characteristics such as having one or more diffractive surfaces.

Gradient refractive index optical blocks for virtual reality imaging applications

Growing community of inventors

Newbury Park, CA, United States of America

Richard Flynn