TDK shows lens-embedded retinal display for smart glasses

TDK Corporation has demonstrated a direct retinal projection display for smart glasses using a flat meta-optic mirror. The mirror uses nanoscale reflectors, measures just 150 nm thick and can be embedded directly into a lens, allowing the display system to avoid the visible curved mirror used in conventional direct retinal projection designs.

The company says the mirror offers visible-light transmittance of approximately 80 percent, supporting smart glasses with transparency comparable to ordinary eyeglass lenses. The approach is intended to give the device a more natural appearance for everyday use while still projecting images onto the retina.

TDK has also developed an ultra-compact full-color laser module and a visible-light full-color laser control device capable of achieving 4K resolution. The meta-optic mirror changes the angle of light reflection depending on position, enabling laser light from various angles to be reflected at the angle required for direct retinal projection. A prototype will be shown at CEATEC 2026, beginning on October 13, 2026, and at electronica, November 10-13, 2026.