Compact LCOS microdisplay uses fast CMOS backplane for high-speed light modulation

Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS, in collaboration with HOLOEYE Photonics AG, have developed a compact LCOS microdisplay with high refresh rates that enables improved optical modulation. This innovative microdisplay will be presented for the first time at the 31st International Display Workshops (IDW 2024) held Dec. 4–6 in Sapporo, Japan.

LCOS microdisplays are characterized by their low power consumption, small size, and lightweight design. They are used in switchable adaptive optics, particularly as phase modulators, and as projection displays in augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR). Phase modulators, also known as spatial light modulators (SLMs), are used in biological imaging and microscopy, among other applications, for wavefront correction and beam shaping.

The goal is to improve image resolution, minimize distortions caused by biological tissue, or protect samples. The new LCOS microdisplay from HOLOEYE and Fraunhofer IPMS utilizes an innovative CMOS backplane that enables high-speed light modulation.

Matthias Verworn from HOLOEYE explains, "With the new backplane generation from IPMS, we can realize compact micro-SLMs and specifically address applications with requirements for a small form factor. The very small pixel size enables larger diffraction angles, while the fast interface supports high clock rates and flexible, application-specific display addressing options."

The unique features of the new LCOS microdisplay open new possibilities in wearable holographic AR systems, in optogenetics, e.g., for structured photostimulation of neurons, as well as in quantum optics and quantum computing.

Philipp Wartenberg, Head of IC and System Design at Fraunhofer IPMS, states, "The newly developed backplane architecture of our compact LCOS microdisplay significantly expands the possibilities for light modulation and far exceeds existing refresh rates.

"This is enabled by the integration of a complete framebuffer and a high-speed interface to the pixel matrix, achieving a data transfer rate of up to 576 Gbit/s to a pixel array with a resolution of 1440 x 1080 pixels and a pixel size of 2.5 µm."

HOLOEYE plans to launch the first products with this LCOS light modulator in early 2026.

Provided by Fraunhofer-Institut für Photonische Mikrosysteme (IPMS)