In a significant advancement for display technology, researchers have developed a new type of screen that measures approximately the size of a human pupil. This innovative screen achieves a resolution that surpasses current pixel limitations, potentially transforming virtual reality and various other applications.
While the resolution of common video screens, such as those on smartphones and televisions, continues to enhance, achieving higher resolution in compact displays for virtual reality has posed challenges. The primary issue arises as screens are positioned closer to the human eye, necessitating smaller pixels. However, reducing pixel size beyond a certain threshold can lead to image degradation. For instance, micro-LED screens encounter difficulties when pixels shrink below one micrometer in width, resulting in diminished image clarity.
To overcome this challenge, a collaborative team from Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University in Sweden has developed a novel approach utilizing “metapixels.” These metapixels are crafted from tungsten oxide, a material capable of transitioning between an insulator and a conductor depending on its electrical state. The design of these metapixels allows them to reflect light differently based on their size and arrangement, and they can be manipulated through electrical currents. This mechanism operates similarly to the pigments found in bird feathers, which change color based on light interaction.
A notable advantage of metapixels is their independence from a light source, which eliminates common issues faced by traditional video pixels, such as color bleeding and uniformity problems. The result is a screen approximately the size of a human pupil, featuring pixels that measure around 560 nanometers wide. Dubbed “retinal e-paper,” this screen boasts a resolution exceeding 25,000 pixels per inch.
“This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of virtual worlds that are visually indistinguishable from reality,” stated a press release from Chalmers. Andreas Dahlin, a professor at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers, added, “Each pixel corresponds to a single photoreceptor in the eye, meaning humans cannot perceive a higher resolution than this.”
To showcase the capabilities of this miniaturized screen, the researchers successfully reproduced “The Kiss,” a renowned artwork by Gustav Klimt. Displayed on the screen, the image retained perfect resolution, despite the screen”s dimensions being approximately 1.4 x 1.9 mm—about 1/4000th of a standard smartphone screen.
“The technology we have developed can provide new ways to interact with information and the world around us,” remarked Kunli Xiong from Uppsala University, who is the lead author of the study. He emphasized the potential for this advancement to enhance creative possibilities, facilitate remote collaboration, and expedite scientific research.
The research team is currently refining their invention, as they believe it could significantly impact the field of miniature optics. Giovanni Volpe from the University of Gothenburg stated, “This represents a major step forward in developing screens that can be miniaturized while improving quality and reducing energy consumption.” The team is optimistic that retinal e-paper will become pivotal in its domain and ultimately influence everyday life.
The findings of this groundbreaking research have been published in the journal Nature.
