Liquid crystal devices as imaging optical components in virtual reality

Liquid crystal devices are powerful ingredients in virtual reality display research at Facebook Reality Labs (FRL), especially as imaging optical components, thanks to the recent advancements in liquid crystal polarization holograms. Active liquid crystal devices can provide possibilities for dynamic reconfiguration of optical system with fast response time. Liquid crystal lenses or gratings that operate following the principles of diffraction can be designed and fabricated with high diffraction efficiency and high polarization selectivity, while keeping a small form factor. In this paper, we cover how these liquid crystal devices can be applied in virtual reality as imaging optical components.