Apr 11 2014
Smart glasses and other wearable augmented reality devices are the most exciting and fastest growing sectors in consumer electronics technology. As a world first, EpiCrystals Inc. of Finland has developed a revolutionary laser light source which is especially designed to improve the usability and image quality in advanced projection applications.
Emerging wearable electronics devices like near-to-eye displays (NTE) or head-mounted displays have recently been introduced by more companies than ever before. The common solution to form an image is to use a 5”-7” LED/OLED screen or LCOS with a LED light source. The end result is often either bulky or the image quality is poor due to washed out colors, low contrast and resolution. A light weight see-through image with excellent (3D) quality provided to both eyes in a wide viewing angle is the preferred solution. Heads-up display for the automotive industry is facing similar challenges in providing great image quality while not disturbing the driver.
The challenge has been to develop a multicolor laser light source with the optical and electrical properties which are optimized for projection displays while still keeping the manufacturing costs low. After years of development, EpiCrystals Inc. has managed to break a historic paradigm and produced a laser component that solves the issues industry has faced. The world’s first multicolor laser light source is out and EpiCrystals has started shipping pre-production samples to partners and customers.
"Our technology is a true breakthrough versus other light sources and brings several advantages. For example, unlike conventional light sources our laser does not emit any visible spontaneous emission which limits the achievable contrast and quality. When our laser is turned on only stimulated laser emission is in use giving rise to infinite contrast – finally black is black, and the gray box in the background seen in projected images today is now gone. We also want to provide our customers with a light source solution which makes system design and production easier than ever. A single very small module with precisely aligned beams and low operating voltage of 2V is the key here. We will continue developing even smaller, less power consuming and more cost-effective solutions to answer the needs of the industry”, says Vice President of Business Development Tomi Jouhti of EpiCrystals Inc.
EpiCrystals Inc. develops innovative laser light sources for next-generation projection display applications. The products patented by the company enable the manufacturing of more economical and compact projectors with superior image quality. EpiCrystals and its product development have been funded by Tekes and investment funds managed by VNT Management Ltd and Finnish Industry Investment Ltd, among others.