Phase space analysis of sampling in the diffraction fields for holographic near-eye displays

Abstract

Holographic near-eye display (H-NED) is one of the most promising technologies in three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality and virtual reality displays due to its ability to provide all depth cues. The numerical calculation of diffraction fields is the basis and key step in the design flow of H-NEDs, and the sampling is the core. In this study, from the perspective of phase space optics, a systematical analysis on the sampling of the wavefield and intensity in H-NEDs is presented. The space-bandwidth product evolution of the wavefield and intensity are given via Wigner distribution function. The sampling criteria, minimum number of samples and conservation law of nonuniform sampling points of the intensity are provided. Such a comprehensive sampling analysis provides guidelines for the correct numerical calculation of diffraction fields in H-NEDs.