Optical Society of America Showcases Major Advancement in Dynamic Holographic 3-D Image Projection

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>>Optical Society of America Showcases Major Advancement in Dynamic Holographic 3-D Image Projection

Innovation Presents Significant Opportunities for Medical, Defense and Homeland Security Applications

Washington, DC-April 22, 2003 - Results of research efforts from scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have yielded a novel system for dynamically projecting 3-D holographic images using digital micro-mirror devices (DMDs). Revealed in a paper published in a recent edition of Optics Express, a journal of the Optical Society of America (OSA), the findings represent a significant advance in holographic projection with considerable implications for aviation, medicine and even homeland security. In the longer term, this development could also change the very nature of television.

Static holographic projection, the process of viewing 3-D images through film-based media, has been available since the 1940s. However, given the processing time involved with this method, the available technology did not allow for dynamic projection. The UT Southwestern research team consisting of Dr. Michael L. Huebschman, Bala Munjuluri and Dr. Harold R. Garner recognized that true holographic projection that is dynamic and digitally driven could form the basis of future scientific and commercial visualization systems. In the course of their research, the team determined that they could achieve such dynamic holographic projection using an off-the-shelf Digital Light Processing (DLP) micro-mirror system developed by Texas Instruments. For example, this technology is widely used in laptop projectors to project the image onto the wall or a screen.

"This advance has near-term practical applications that have already been proven in the lab," according to Dr. Huebschman. "In one test scenario we were able to reproduce and project 3-D digital images of multiple aircraft in flight. This capability, once refined, would serve as the basis for cockpit displays that would significantly enhance pilot visibility. The same capability could be applied to air traffic control monitoring. Having established the ability of DMD systems to deliver dynamic holographic images, we are now working on refining the system to achieve the clarity needed for such commercial applications."

The team constructed a system that projects true dynamic 3-D holographic images from computer-generated holograms utilizing the diffracted light from a laser-illuminated digital micro-mirror device. They then demonstrated the utility of the DMD as a 3-D holographic medium by producing virtual and real 3-D images at finite distances. The team's aim is to create a real-time, multi-color projection system for all digital holograms that utilizes existing computer equipment.

This development is bringing considerable technology benefits to many industries. The UT Southwestern team sees the most potential for rapid adoption to be in airports, the medical field and in entertainment. For instance, airport screeners will be able to view X-ray images of luggage and packages in 3-D as opposed to 2-D that is currently being used. This will show the packages' complete contents allowing screeners to better analyze and identify potentially harmful objects. Similarly, doctors can view an X-ray of a broken leg in 3-D without having to move the patient and take multiple X-rays. In the entertainment industry, the ultimate goal is to develop 3-D television, but in the near term, the adoption of 3-D hologram games is apt to take off.

"We see this as a significant development for the broader optics industry because it will help to further demonstrate the connection between academic discovery and the array of commercial applications for optical technology," said OSA Executive Director Liz Rogan. "Optics is an enabling science and the work of the UT Southwestern team, which is supported by the State of Texas Advanced Research Program and the Center for Biomedical Inventions, ultimately will deliver considerable benefits to the aerospace, medical and even media and entertainment industries."

About OSA
The Optical Society of America (OSA) brings together an international network of the industry's preeminent optics and photonics scientists, engineers, educators, technicians and business leaders. Representing more than 15,000 members from approximately 100 different countries, OSA promotes the worldwide generation, application and dissemination of optics and photonics knowledge through its meetings, events and journals. Since its founding in 1916, OSA member benefits, programming, publications, products and services have set the industry's standard of excellence.

About Optics Express
Optics Express, the 8th-ranked journal in the field of optics, reports on new developments in all fields of optical science and technology every two weeks. Optics Express is available at no cost to readers online at http://www.opticsexpress.org/. The journal provides rapid publication of original, peer-reviewed papers. Optics Express incorporates the use of multimedia and color graphics into many of its articles.