A Three-Color, Solid-State, Three-Dimensional Display

Abstract

A three-color, solid-state, volumetric display based on two-step, two-frequency upconversion in rare earth-doped heavy metal fluoride glass is described. The device uses infrared laser beams that intersect inside a transparent volume of active optical material to address red, green, and blue voxels by sequential two-step resonant absorption. Three-dimensional wire-frame images, surface areas, and solids are drawn by scanning the point of intersection of the lasers around inside of the material. The prototype device is driven with laser diodes, uses conventional focusing optics and mechanical scanners, and is bright enough to be seen in ambient room lighting conditions. QuickTime movie of the three-dimensional display.