TDK Corporation has demonstrated, for the first time in the world, a direct retinal projection (DRP) display for smart glasses using a meta-optic mirror. The flat mirror employs nanoscale reflectors, measures 150 nm thick, and can be embedded directly into a lens. With a visible-light transmittance of approximately 80 percent, it provides transparency equivalent to ordinary eyeglass lenses, supporting a natural appearance suitable for everyday use.
TDK will exhibit a prototype at CEATEC 2026, beginning on October 13, 2026, and at electronica from November 10-13, 2026.
The company has established technologies for an ultra-compact full-color laser module (FCLM), described as one of the smallest of its kind, and a visible-light full-color laser control device capable of achieving 4K resolution. It has also been developing the key devices required for DRP in smart glasses.
Conventional DRP systems used a curved mirror mounted in front of the user’s eye to project images onto the retina, which made it difficult to achieve smart glasses with a natural appearance. The meta-optic approach arranges unique nanoscale reflectors on a plane and creates a structure that changes the angle of light reflection depending on the position of the mirror. This allows laser light incident from various angles to be reflected at the angle necessary for DRP, enabling replacement of conventional curved mirrors.
The DRP smart glasses prevent images from being visible to people facing the wearer, eliminating image leakage. This supports a natural look and addresses privacy concerns, as others cannot see the projected content.
Conventional waveguide displays have complex structures and can be costly to manufacture. The meta-optic mirror can be manufactured using processes comparable to those used for semiconductors, which opens the way to cost-competitive mass production. The current meta-optic mirror supports monochrome operation. TDK aims to demonstrate full-color operation and achieve mass production within the next few years.
TDK has entered into a business cooperation agreement with QD Laser, Inc. (TSE:6613). The collaboration combines QD Laser’s proprietary retinal projection technology and patent portfolio with TDK’s FCLM, visible-light full-color laser control devices, meta-optic mirrors, and other technologies. This is intended to accelerate the development of next-generation RGB light source modules and optical engines for smart glasses. TDK will contribute to the transformation of smart glasses, an application expected to grow within the AI ecosystem on which the company is focusing, and their widespread adoption in society.
