Self-Illuminating Holograms for Human-Computer Interaction

This proposal aims to create a new approach to 3D visualisation that will enhance how people interact with computers and computer-generated information. We enjoy the three-dimensional world around us, but struggle to replicate it in computer displays. Whilst great progress is being made in augmented and virtual reality, three dimensional scenes often require cumbersome accessories such as headsets. We propose a radically different approach by developing self-illuminating holograms. HConventional holograms can give impressive three-dimensional images, but typically require complicated and bulky optical set-ups in which an external light source illuminates a phase plate to generate the hologram. This can limit the number of viewers, or restrict their range of viewing angles. We will overcome theseis limitations by making thin, compact and flexible holograms that generate light themselves, removing the need for external illumination. We envisage that our devices can be placed on everyday objects to show three-dimensional images in a way that can be viewed by many people from different view points - as though the object were there in front of them. Ultimately these self-illuminating holograms could cover the walls of an entire room, creating a truly immersive, shared 3D experience. This technology will transform how we interact with computer-generated information in a wide range of applications ranging from entertainment to visualising complex information.