TDK has unveiled for the first time a meta-optics mirror for smart glasses using direct retinal projection (DRP). The 150 nm-thick reflector has 80% transmittance and will be publicly exhibited at CEATEC 2026.
TDK announced that it had achieved the world’s first demonstration of a new technology using direct retinal projection (DRP) for smart glasses. It will be publicly exhibited during CEATEC 2026.
Because DRP delivers light directly to the retina, it does not require the user to adjust their gaze to focus, unlike waveguide-based display systems, and can display images using relatively low light output. This could help mitigate issues such as obstructed fields of view and design constraints, which have often affected conventional glasses-type devices.
The announced technology uses nanoscale reflectors approximately 150 nm thick to create a thin mirror that can be embedded inside a lens. Transmittance is approximately 80%, and the aim is to achieve an appearance and usability similar to those of a waveguide system while using DRP.
TDK plans to present a monochrome green demo pair of glasses at CEATEC, advance development of a full-color demo pair by around March 2027, and target a smart-glasses market launch during fiscal 2028.