Dual-Path Holographic Laser-Excited Volumetric Display

We propose a dual-path holographic laser rendering system capable of creating centimeter-scale volumetric graphics directly in physical space. The proposed system employs two synchronized optical paths, each consisting of a femtosecond laser combined with a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator, a three-dimensional beam scanning module composed of galvanometer mirrors and a varifocal lens, and an Xe-filled rendering volume. Our dual-path rendering approach, in which each optical path independently forms and cooperatively renders volumetric graphics, has been experimentally demonstrated to produce centimeter-scale volumetric graphics and animations with significantly improved brightness and voxel density. Furthermore, we developed a prototype system and successfully demonstrated it to the general public at SIGGRAPH 2024, providing interactive volumetric graphics with sufficient brightness under normal room lighting conditions, user safety, and intuitive user interaction. These comprehensive design considerations and demonstration outcomes represent a significant step toward the practical realization of laser-excited volumetric displays.