Revolutionary 4K Smart Glasses with Full-Colour Laser Control

TDK has made a significant advancement in smart glasses technology by developing the first full-colour laser controller for 4K smart glasses using lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thin film. This breakthrough allows for enhanced colour control speed, making it ten times faster than conventional methods. The result is the ability to achieve video resolutions of 4K or higher in augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) smart glasses.

Collaborating with QD Laser in Japan, TDK has demonstrated direct retinal projection from the smart glasses. The innovative device will be showcased at CEATEC 2024, scheduled to take place from October 15-18, 2024, in Chiba, Japan. This demonstration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of smart glasses technology.

Previously, TDK introduced a full-colour laser module (FCLM) for direct retinal laser projection module, leveraging manufacturing technologies used in magnetic heads of hard disk drives (HDD). Developed in partnership with QD Laser in the US and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), this advancement laid the groundwork for the latest breakthrough in smart glasses technology.

Lithium niobate films have traditionally been utilized in long-distance high-speed optical communication, particularly in Beyond 5G/6G applications, often with near-infrared light. By harnessing this technology for full-colour laser modules in AR/VR smart glasses, the speed of visible light lasers has been increased tenfold, enabling the achievement of 4K resolution. Research and development have shown that the device can effectively control all three primary colours of light – red, green, and blue.

The thin film used in this groundbreaking device is created through a sputtering method, refined over the years for efficient mass production. This approach differs from the conventional method of bonding lithium niobate to a substrate using bulk material. TDK's proprietary technology has enabled the manufacturing and testing of lithium niobate devices for the first time, paving the way for future innovations in smart glasses technology.