TDK shows off smart-glasses display that projects images straight onto the retina
TDK has demonstrated what it says is the world’s first direct retinal projection (DRP) display for smart glasses using a meta-optic mirror. The technology projects images directly onto the wearer’s retina and could help smart glasses retain the appearance of conventional eyewear.
At the heart of the system is a flat meta-optic mirror just 150 nm thick. It uses nanoscale reflectors and can be embedded directly into a glasses lens. TDK says the mirror has approximately 80 % visible-light transmittance, allowing the lens to remain highly transparent.
The technology is designed to replace the curved mirrors traditionally used in direct retinal-projection systems. TDK’s meta-optic mirror contains nanoscale structures that change the reflection angle depending on where light hits its surface, allowing laser light arriving from different angles to be redirected toward the retina.
Another claimed benefit is privacy: the projected image should be visible only to the wearer, not to people looking at the glasses from the outside.
That combination could be useful for navigation prompts, notifications or work information. But TDK has not disclosed important practical specifications, including brightness, field of view, resolution, power consumption or performance in daylight.
TDK says the meta-optic mirror can be manufactured using processes comparable to those used in semiconductor production. That could make the technology easier to scale than conventional waveguide displays, which can have complex structures and higher manufacturing costs.
The current mirror prototype is limited to monochrome images, but TDK is working toward full-colour operation. The company says it has developed an ultra-compact full-colour laser module and a visible-light laser-control device capable of supporting up to 4K resolution. TDK aims to demonstrate a full-colour version and begin mass production within the next few years.
TDK is also working with QD Laser, combining the latter’s retinal-projection technology and patent portfolio with TDK’s laser modules, control devices and meta-optic mirrors. The companies are developing RGB light sources and optical engines for smart glasses.
TDK will show a prototype at CEATEC 2026 in Japan, beginning October 13, and at Electronica 2026, taking place from November 10 to 13.
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