BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to light output systems and, more particularly, to light output systems having reflectors and lens. In some embodiments, the light output systems may be part of augmented and virtual reality imaging and visualization systems.

Description of the Related Art

Imaging and visualization systems may utilize systems that output light into a light modulating device that then modulates and projects the light to form images in the eyes of a viewer. There is a continuing need to develop light projection systems that can meet the needs of modern imaging and visualization systems.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a reflector, which comprises a light input opening, a light output opening, and reflective interior sidewalls extending between the light input opening and the light output opening. The optical system also comprises lens proximate a light output opening of the reflector. The sidewalls of the reflector may be shaped to provide substantially angularly uniform light output, and the lens may be configured to convert the substantially angularly uniform light output to substantially spatially uniform light output. In some embodiments, the reflector is one of an array of reflectors, each reflector having an associated lens forward of the output opening of the reflector.

The optical system may further comprise a light modulating device configured to receive light outputted by the reflector through the lens. The optical system may also further comprise a stack of waveguides, each waveguide comprising a light incoupling optical element configured to receive light from the light modulating device. The light incoupling optical element of each waveguide may be spatially offset from the light incoupling optical element of other waveguides, as seen along the axis of propagation of the light into the stack. The spatial arrangement of the reflectors, as seen in a plan view, may correspond and align one-to-one with a spatial arrangement of the light incoupling optical elements.

