Backside emission leaky-mode modulators

We report on an advancement to leaky-mode modulators that allows for backside emission from the device. This is accomplished by adding a high spatial frequency surface relief grating (~300 nm period) to the backside of the modulator. The outcome being a theoretical arbitrary increase in usable output aperture, at the cost of angular deflection. Using backside emission, it is now possible for leaky mode modulators to be used to create transparent, holographic, direct-view near-eye displays.