Columbia Technology Ventures

Infrared-laser driven microdisplays

This technology is a microdisplay that is comprised of only two necessary layers paired with an excitation infrared laser for use in biological systems, augmented reality, or any other display-necessary application.

Unmet Need: Simple, cheap, and more scalable display technology

Current displays are either costly, difficult, and laborious to manufacture or provide insufficient contrast, field of view, and resolution. For example, current state-of-the-art methods such as active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) displays require multiple sophisticated layers to manufacture, and microLEDs are, on the other hand, very expensive.

The Technology: Infrared-laser driven, simple, nonlinear microdisplay

This technology is a microdisplay that simplifies display technology with two simple layers – a polymer screen and a luminous screen consisting of upconverting nanoparticles synthesized with color filters. This, in conjunction with an excitation infrared laser, enables improved display transparency for applications in augmented reality and virtual reality while maintaining safe wavelengths for use in biological systems. Color purity is also maintained with this technology while manufacturing costs are very low.

Applications:

  • Augmented reality/virtual reality
  • Screens for computers, TVs, monitors, smartphones
  • Smart contact lenses or eyeglasses

Advantages:

  • Improved display transparency
  • Reduces number of necessary layers to 2 compared to 6-8 in conventional displays
  • Allows scalable mass manufacturing
  • Improved color purity
  • Operates at safe wavelength for biological samples

Lead Inventor:

Peter James Schuck, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: