TDK has unveiled the world's first direct retinal projection (DRP) display for smart glasses, utilizing a newly developed meta-optic mirror. This component is a flat, ultra-thin reflective element measuring 150 nanometers in thickness, which replicates the functions of traditional curved mirrors by utilizing a negative reflection angle to redirect light.
The DRP technology projects laser light directly onto the user's retina, ensuring clear images regardless of the user's vision quality. This approach significantly reduces light leakage into the surrounding environment compared to conventional display methods. The reflective mirror can be embedded into standard lenses, offering a visible light transmittance of 80 percent.
By replacing complex waveguide layers with this flat mirror design, TDK aims to eliminate the rainbow-like glare often seen in current smart glasses. The technology is compatible with semiconductor wafer manufacturing processes, which simplifies module construction and is intended to facilitate mass production and reduce overall costs.
Currently, the system supports monochromatic images, but the company is actively developing a full-color display version. TDK plans to move toward mass production of this technology within the next few years, aiming to make smart glasses look and feel like ordinary eyewear.
