Abstract:
Japanese electronic components manufacturer TDK announced that it will demonstrate for the first time the technology of using meta-optical lenses to achieve direct retinal projection display in smart glasses. This solution embeds flat lenses with a thickness of only 150 nanometers into spectacle lenses, uses nano-scale reflective structures to change the reflection direction of laser, and projects the image onto the wearer's retina, replacing the protruding lenses and larger curved mirrors in traditional direct projection systems. TDK said that this is the first time in the world that meta-optical lenses have been used to realize direct retinal projection display in smart glasses.
The visible light transmittance of this meta-lens is about 80%, and the goal is to make the lenses look close to everyday glasses. TDK said that the nanostructure will adjust the reflection angle according to the incident position of the light, so that the flat mirror can also complete the light path control of the traditional curved mirror; the lens itself can allow visible light from the outside to pass through, and at the same time guide the laser to the eye. Since the display content is not easily leaked out from the lenses, it is difficult for others to see what the wearer is watching. Manufacturers believe that this will also help improve privacy issues. In contrast, common waveguide display solutions require complex optical structures in the lenses, which may cause a rainbow-like "eye glow" phenomenon, and the manufacturing cost is also high.
Currently, this superstructure prototype only supports monochrome display. TDK has not announced the resolution, field of view, brightness, power consumption or weight of the entire pair of glasses, nor has it given a specific launch date. TDK has also developed ultra-small full-color laser modules and visible-light full-color laser control devices that can support up to 4K resolution. However, these are related component capabilities and cannot be regarded as this monochrome prototype has achieved 4K full-color display. The company plans to achieve full-color demonstrations and promote mass production in the next few years. The prototype will be exhibited at CEATEC 2026 in Japan from October 13, and will be unveiled at the Munich Electronics Show in Germany from November 10 to 13.
TDK said that metamirrors can be produced using processes similar to semiconductor manufacturing, which is expected to simplify the structure of optical components and reduce mass production costs. The company is currently conducting preliminary evaluation of smart glasses equipped with this lens. TDK has reached a cooperation with QD Laser in June this year, combining the other party's retinal projection technology and patents with TDK's full-color laser modules, laser controllers and meta-mirrors to jointly develop a new generation of RGB light source modules and smart glasses optical engines.
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