TDK demonstrates a screen that projects images directly onto the retina of the eye

TDK Corporation is the first company in the world to demonstrate a direct retinal projection (DRP) display using metaoptics. This 150 nm thick flat mirror is built directly into the spectacle lens. The light transmittance of smart glasses equipped with this display is about 80%, which maintains the same transparency as traditional optical lenses and is suitable for daily use.

Image source: TDK

Meta-optical elements are planar optical elements based on metasurfaces. It is made of artificial atoms (Meta✴– subwavelength scale of atoms), positioned according to certain patterns. Meta-optical components are extremely thin and light, completely overcoming traditional optics’ reliance on “thickness” and “curvature”.

Traditional DRP systems use curved mirrors placed in front of the user’s eyes to project images onto the retina, making it difficult to create smart glasses with a natural appearance. By placing a unique nanoscale reflector on a flat surface and creating a structure that changes the angle of light reflection depending on the position of the mirror, laser light incident at different angles can be redirected into the direction required for DRP operation.

In addition, smart glasses using DRP technology proposed by TDK can prevent the person opposite the user from seeing the image (image leakage). This solution provides natural image perception and ensures privacy as the projected content is hidden from prying eyes.

Traditional DRP monitor designs are complex and expensive. Meta-optical mirrors are fabricated using techniques comparable to semiconductor manufacturing processes, paving the way for cost-effective mass production.

TDK has developed ultra-compact full-color laser modules (FCLM) and full-color visible laser drivers capable of providing 4K resolution. The company signed a business cooperation agreement with QD Laser. By combining DRP technology with QD Laser’s patent portfolio, TDK plans to significantly accelerate the development of next-generation RGB modules and smart glasses optical systems.

Smart glasses will become an important part of the artificial intelligence ecosystem that the company is focusing on. TDK will demonstrate prototypes of smart glasses with direct retinal image projection at CEATEC on October 13 and at the Munich Electronics Show on November 10. At this stage, super optical mirrors only support monochromatic operation. TDK plans to demonstrate full color and begin mass production in the coming years.