One step machining of hierarchical optical structures for autostereoscopic images

This work presents a new optical design and the corresponding novel machining strategy to achieve the one step generation of hierarchical optical structures on a flat surface for autostereoscopic effects. The hierarchical structures combine V-groove arrays as a parallax barrier for stereopsis and integrated diffraction gratings with variable grating spacing for motion parallax. The multi-scale surface structures are machined simultaneously using the tool geometry to form V-grooves while utilizing elliptical tool vibration to generate blazed gratings concurrently. An autostereoscopic image with strong depth perception is fabricated with a pixel density exceeding 1,660 pixels per inch. (C) 2022 CIRP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This work presents a new optical design and machining strategy to achieve the one step generation of hierarchical optical structures on a flat surface for autostereoscopic effects. The design combines V-groove arrays as a parallax barrier for stereopsis and integrated diffraction gratings with variable grating spacing for motion parallax. Using tool geometry and elliptical tool vibration, the hierarchical structures are machined simultaneously to form V-grooves and generate blazed gratings. An autostereoscopic image with strong depth perception and high pixel density is fabricated.