Revolutionizing Our Viewing Experience: Ultrathin Metasurface Displays Take Aim at the LCD
Figure 1. The metasurfaces used as prototype display screens are thinner than liquid crystal cells, offer a greater resolution, and could consume less energy. Andrey Miroshnichenko/ Unsw Canberra. Retrieved from www.spectrum.ieee.org
We have all seen the amazing advances in display technology over the past few years. From 4K TVs to curved screens, it seems like every year brings something new and exciting. Now, scientists are taking aim at the LCD with a revolutionary new technology called ultrathin metasurface displays.
These displays are based on physics that make microscopic “invisibility cloaks” possible. They use a reflective display called IMOD to replace the LCD layer in LCD displays, but still provide a high-resolution image. This technology is being used to create super-high-res screen prototypes that could revolutionize our viewing experience.
The most exciting thing about this technology is its potential for creating large-scale 3D holographic displays. Scientists have developed a digital metasurface device (DMSD) which can project light into different shapes and sizes, allowing for 3D images to be projected onto any surface. This could open up a whole new world of possibilities for entertainment, gaming, and more!
Figure 2. Digital metasurface device (DMSD) for light projection displays. Li, J., Yu, P., Zhang, S. et al. Electrically-controlled digital metasurface device for light projection displays. Nat Commun 11, 3574 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17390-3
Optical metasurfaces also offer an ultra-thin solution for next generation displays. These surfaces are composed of subwavelength meta-atoms which allow for flat optical components such as lenses and mirrors to be created without bulk or distortion. This could lead to thinner, lighter devices with improved performance and better battery life.
It's clear that ultrathin metasurface displays have the potential to revolutionize our viewing experience in ways we never thought possible before. With further research and development, these technologies could become commonplace in our everyday lives in no time!
Sources:
https://spectrum.ieee.org/metasurface-displays
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=35133257
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-17390-3