Metasurfaces for augmented reality applications

The aim of this project is the development of optical metasurfaces, (ultimate goal is a metasurfaces based spatial light modulator), optimized for the generation of high-resolution and dynamic, colour holograms for augmented reality applications, with hologram pattern provided by the proprietary software developed by VividQ. As such it addresses an important aspect of industrial use of visualization and image reproduction.
Several key question will be addressed during this project.
1) The generation of high-resolution (4k and above) holograms from optical metasurfaces with a wide field of view and operating distance suitable for augmented reality headsets. This will require close coordination with VividQ, both through the provision of phase mask used for the hologram generation and in determining the required working parameters.
2) The generation of metasurfaces suitable for full colour (RGB operation) operation, while maintaining 4k resolution capability and the required field of view.
3) Dynamic tuning of a holographic metasurfaces mimicking spatial light modulator capability for colour holograms, with targeted refresh rates above 1kHz. Exact requirements again to be determined in collaboration with industrial supervisor and optimized for VividQ.
The novelty in this project lies in the use of a tuneable metasurfaces as the reflective element encoding the computer generated hologram and the development of such a device. Previous metasurfaces for holograms tend to be static or giving different output for different illumination (e.g. different input polarizations). While useful for applications such as anti-counterfeiting these are not suitable for the dynamic display of rapidly changing holograms needed for augmented reality applications.
Another novelty lies in the development of a high-resolution (4K), metasurfaces, which is beyond the capability of current holographic metasurfaces.

Complementing our Pathways to Impact document, here we state the expected real-world impact, which is of course the leading priority for our industrial partners. Their confidence that the proposed CDT will deliver valuable scientific, engineering and commercial impact is emphasized by their overwhelming financial support (£4.38M from industry in the form of cash contributions, and further in-kind support of £5.56M).

Here we summarize what will be the impacts expected from the proposed CDT.

(1) Impact on People
(a) Students
The CDT will have its major impact on the students themselves, by providing them with new understanding, skills and abilities (technical, business, professional), and by enhancing their employability.
(b) The UK public
The engagement planned in the CDT will educate and inform the general public about the high quality science and engineering being pursued by researchers in the CDT, and will also contribute to raising the profile of this mode of doctoral training -- particularly important since the public have limited awareness of the mechanisms through which research scientists are trained.

(2) Impact on Knowledge
New scientific knowledge and engineering know-how will be generated by the CDT. Theses, conference / journal papers and patents will be published to disseminate this knowledge.

(3) Impact on UK industry and economy
UK companies will gain a competitive advantage by using know-how and new techniques generated by CDT researchers.
Companies will also gain from improved recruitment and retention of high quality staff.
Longer term economic impacts will be felt as increased turnover and profitability for companies, and perhaps other impacts such as the generation / segmentation of new markets, and companies receiving inward investment for new products.

(4) Impact on Society
Photonic imaging, sensing and related devices and analytical techniques underpin many of products and services that UK industry markets either to consumers or to other businesses. Reskilling of the workforce with an emphasis on promoting technical leadership is central to EPSRC's Productive Nation prosperity outcome, and our CDT will achieve exactly this through its development of future industrially engaged scientists, engineers and innovators. The impact that these individuals will have on society will be manifested through their contribution to the creation of new products and services that improve the quality of life in sectors like transport, dependable energy networks, security and communications.

Greater internationalisation of the cohort of CDT researchers is expected from some of the CDT activities (e.g. international summer schools), with the potential impact of greater collaboration in the future between the next generations of UK and international researchers.