Samsung Research: Single-layer waveguide display uses achromatic metagratings for more compact augmented reality eyewear

Single-layer waveguide display uses achromatic metagratings for more compact augmented reality eyewear

Augmented reality (AR), the technology that overlays digital content onto what users see around them in real-time, is now widely used in the retail, gaming and entertainment industries, as well as in some educational settings and learning environments. A key component of AR systems are so-called waveguide displays, transparent optical layers that guide light from a projector to the eyes of users, allowing them to see projected images integrated on top of their surrounding environment.

phys.org

TL;DR: A team from Samsung Electronics and POSTECH has created a super-thin (500 µm) single-layer waveguide display for AR eyewear by using achromatic metagratings—arrays of nanoscale gratings that diffract red, green and blue light at the same angle. Unlike bulky, multi-layer waveguides (or earlier metasurface attempts), this design slashes weight and size while boosting brightness, color uniformity and user comfort.

They used a custom stochastic topology-optimization algorithm to fine-tune the nanostructures, achieving high-quality, full-color images without chromatic distortion. The result is a more compact, ergonomic AR headset platform that could soon bring crisp digital overlays to everyday glasses.