Abstract
Popular three-dimensional (3D) TV or film media primarily relies on misleading our visual system by presenting our two eyes with spatially offset two-dimensional (2D) images. In comparison, volumetric displays generate moving objects in three physical dimensions with unlimited viewing angles. In a static volumetric display, voxels instead of pixels are usually addressed by luminescence, scattering or deflection. Although various prototype volumetric display technologies have been developed, the generation of full-color moving objects remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate the generation of voxels by frequency upconversion based on second-harmonic generation (SHG) in nonlinear optical crystals that are dispersed in solid-state composite materials that serve as a transparent solid display. Notably, voxels that radiate all colors with near-monochromatic color purity can be created by pumping at different near-infrared wavelengths and thus enable a simple solution to realize a full-color display. A computer-controlled scanner allows the generation of moving 3D objects that are viewable from any direction in a prototype device at a 25 × 25 × 25 mm3 scale, and larger displays that are based on the colloidal dispersion of SHG crystals are envisioned. Our methodology may have important implications for the application of the transparent crystal-in-glass composites in both 3D and 2D display technologies.
Highlights
Three-dimensional (3D) TVs and films are quickly gaining popularity in recent years across the globe
We demonstrate the generation of voxels by frequency upconversion based on second-harmonic generation (SHG) in nonlinear optical crystals that are dispersed in solid-state composite materials that serve as a transparent solid display
We demonstrated the generation of a full spectrum of visible light from a transparent medium that incorporated dispersed nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, that is, a transparent glass-ceramic (GC) material that can serve as the volumetric medium for a full-color 3D display
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) TVs and films are quickly gaining popularity in recent years across the globe. When watching a 3D movie using headgear or glasses, our eyes are seeing spatially offset two-dimensional (2D) images that are recorded from different angles and that are combined by our visual system and perceived as 3D.1–3 These devices are known as stereoscopic displays that bear only partial 3D elements, including psychological depth cues of motion parallax and binocular disparity depth cues. True 3D displays should allow for the visualization of real moving objects in three physical dimensions with complete physiological depth cues, such as accommodation, convergence and motion parallax.[3,4] These conditions are provided by holographic displays that are based on diffractive optics that can reconstruct the light field of the 3D objects from the holograms that are either recorded in a medium, that is, photorefractive polymer, or generated by a computer. The display of moving objects of a reasonable size at normal video rates remains a tremendous challenge.[5,6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
