Addressable spatial light modulators for eye-tracking autostereoscopic three-dimensional display using a scanning laser

A scanning laser-based back light three-dimensional (3D) display capable of rendering full-resolution, low crosstalk, and vivid 3D depth perception has been developed by incorporating time-sequential multiplexing and eye-tracking technologies. This system includes three main subsystems: a scanning laser module, a relay transfer unit created by combining multiple transmissive-type electrically addressed ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulators (FLC-SLMs), and a dual-directional transmission screen (DDTS) unit that can produce different angular magnification factors in both the tangential and sagittal planes. The light beam is directed by the DDTS after transmission through FLC-SLMs, and left and right eye viewing zones are produced sequentially in accordance with the locations of clear apertures in the FLC-SLM that are controlled based on data from the eye-tracking system. Owing to the persistence of human vision, 3D images are formed as a result of the high-speed scanning backlight and fast response characteristics of the FLC-SLM. A prototype of the proposed 3D display was designed and built, and experiments were carried out. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed scheme, and full-resolution images with natural 3D perception are demonstrated by the prototype.