Embedded Concave Micromirror Array-based See-through Light Field Near-eye Display

Abstract

We propose a direct-view see-through light field near-eye display (NED) using a semi-reflective embedded concave micromirror array (ECMMA) that can generate virtual images at different depths of focus. The ECMMA is a planar optical element having a thin, semi-reflective embedded metallic film for the mirror array. Being a flat element, the ECMMA has zero net refractive power, and the light rays originating from the background scene do not change their original direction of propagation when they pass the ECMMA. Therefore, the see-through view of the proposed ECMMA-NED looks clear with negligible disturbance to the quality of the background scene.