Exhibitions: TDK showcases smart glasses equipped with ultra

May 27, 2023

October 13, 2022

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) will display first-of-its-kind smart glasses equipped with the world's smallest class* ultra-compact full-color laser module (FCLM) under development by TDK during CEATEC 2022, which starts on October 18, 2022.

The demonstration will showcase how projection is made possible for both eyes of the laser direct retinal projection glasses using the FCLM, overcoming the long-standing issue of displays with a narrow viewing angle. In the growing AR/VR smart glasses segment and metaverse-based society, this advancement is expected to expand potential uses of the technology and further accelerate the uptake of smart glasses.

The FCLM developed by TDK is in the smallest and lightest class of such devices at around one-tenth of previous products**, making it ideal for the development of stylish smart glasses. TDK's proprietary and long-established manufacturing technologies for magnetic heads of hard disk drives (HDD) were repurposed to create devices suited to new growth areas such as AR/VR smart glasses and the metaverse. The FCLM was jointly developed with Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) by incorporating a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) technology.

The FCLM was used as a key component in the smart glasses. Through joint development with QD Laser, Inc., which possesses outstanding laser direct retinal projection technologies, TDK created a demonstration sample of the smart glasses capable of laser direct retinal projection for both eyes, and around double the viewing angle of previous products. Laser direct retinal projection method makes images visible regardless of the viewer's eyesight. In addition, the ability to simultaneously see the real world scene through the glasses and view information displayed without having to shift focus enables new usage scenarios that are perfect for smart glasses. This is an important feature that cannot be achieved using other projection methods.

TDK will continue advancing the utility of its ultra-compact FCLM based on the results from this demonstration sample with the goal of promoting the widespread adoption of AR/VR smart glasses and metaverse-driven society, and accelerating growth efforts to put the module to practical use as soon as possible.

In addition to CEATEC 2022, the demonstration sample is also scheduled to be shown at electronica 2022 in Munich, Germany in November 2022, and at CES 2023 in Las Vegas, USA in January 2023.

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK‘s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America In fiscal 2022, TDK posted total sales of USD 15.6 billion and employed about 117,000 people worldwide.

QD Laser, Inc. (headquartered in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Mitsuru Sugawara; Securities Code: 6613) started out in 2006 as a spin-off venture of Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd. and as a pioneer seeking to commercialize quantum dot laser technology. The company delivers new semiconductor laser solutions to customers across a wide range of fields that include telecommunications, industry, healthcare and consumer use.