Pulsed‐Laser‐Induced IR Stereoscopic Imaging

Research on displays that can provide stereoscopic information for advertising, education, medical applications, and military simulations is on the rise. Because IR images are invisible to human eye, they can be used when security or privacy is required. If stereoscopic image display techniques are extended from the visible region to the IR region, they are able to provide more or selective information to humans. Therefore, a method of using laser beam steering to form IR stereoscopic images on a plain substrate is investigated in this study. A technique is developed for displaying IR stereoscopic images that can be detected by using an IR thermal imaging camera (ITIC), while remaining invisible to the human eye. This approach can be used to represent various IR patterns due to plasma generated during laser irradiation of the glass substrate. Static IR images are produced with stereoscopic contours: point‐shaped laser‐beam spots are connected to form IR‐emitting lines, and the IR‐emitting lines are further arranged to form IR‐emitting faces. IR stereoscopic video images with perspective are implemented by sequentially displaying time‐variant IR static images controlled by laser beam steering. Full‐color‐image representation on an ITIC is achieved using laser beam steering and the laser pattern formation method. A pulsed‐laser‐induced IR perspective display is a 3D IR stereoscopic image‐based display, which can only be detected by using an IR thermal imaging camera, while remaining invisible to the human eye. IR stereoscopic images can be implemented as full‐color 3D animations through 2D pattern designs and editing of each frame.