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1. Classification of glasses-free stereoscopic display technologies.
3.1 Holographic 3D display technologies
As shown in Table 2, holographic 3D display technology demonstrates obvious advantages in achieving true 3D visualization through its complete wavefront recording and reconstruction capabilities based on interference and diffraction. Compared with other stereoscopic display solutions, this technology can provide a higher sense of depth reality and is regarded as one of the most promising true 3D display solutions [ 25 ].
Laser holography involves two fundamental processes: recording and reconstruction [ 25 ]. Holographic recording utilizes the interference properties of laser light, whereby the diffuse reflection from the surface of a 3D object interferes with reference light, creating a pattern of alternating bright and dark interference fringes. This intricate pattern is subsequently stored in various photosensitive media, including CCD cameras, photographic films, photorefractive crystals, photorefractive polymers, and photochromic materials. Through this process, comprehensive optical information pertaining to both static and dynamic objects – including amplitude( i. e., light intensity) and phase( i. e., depth) information – is meticulously and thoroughly recorded. Holographic reconstruction employs the diffraction characteristic of laser light. When a wavelength of the specific laser beam is directed onto the stored medium, the diffraction effect is excited to reconstruct the amplitude and phase distribution information of the original object wave. Consequently, a 3D image consistent with the original object is reproduced.
Compared with traditional acoustical, optical, and electronic display methods, holographic 3D display technology effectively overcomes the bottlenecks of existing systems by producing high-contrast, high-resolution, and depth-perception 3D images, thereby achieving more realistic and immersive stereoscopic visual reproduction effects.
With the development of computer and display technologies, the traditional holographic recording process has been realized through computational simulation methods, thus leading to the development of computational holographic technology. This technology mathematically describes the complex wavefronts through numerical calculations, which are subsequently encoded into holographic functions compatible with the display media. During the holographic reconstruction process, coherent light is used to illuminate the display media, reconstructing the 3D light field information of the object. The advantages of computational holographic technology include: 1) eliminating complex optical interference processes, thereby simplifying the recording procedure and obtaining virtual interference images; 2) overcoming the limitations of traditional photosensitive media, making holographic functions easier to store, replicate, and transmit; 3) introducing computational and digital technologies into optical processing and control, thereby advancing the development of wavefront pattern control and holographic technology; 4) aligning with the practical demands of exhibition applications, providing large-angle, immersive, dynamic, and color 3D holographic technology, in order to enhance the effectiveness of displays and shows [ 25, 26 ].