Display alignment using diffraction

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing executable computer program instructions, wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by a computer processor, cause the computer processor to perform steps comprising:

• transmitting coherent light through a display of a head-mounted display to produce a diffraction pattern on a detector;
• detecting, with the detector, the diffraction pattern;
• determining a first orientation of the display based in part on the detected diffraction pattern;
• determining an adjustment to the first orientation of the display using the determined first orientation and a target orientation;
• and
• adjusting the display to a second orientation based on the determined adjustment.

A system comprising:

• a laser for transmitting coherent light through a display of a head-mounted display to produce a diffraction pattern;
• a detector configured to detect the diffraction pattern;
• one or more processors for executing computer instructions that perform steps comprising:
• determining a first orientation of the display based in part on the detected diffraction pattern, and
• determining an adjustment to the first orientation of the display using the determined first orientation and a target orientation;
• and
• a display alignment device for adjusting the display to a second orientation based on the determined adjustment.