OLED microdisplays are ideal as image generators for virtual-reality (VR), augmented-reality (AR), and mixed-reality (MR) applications, due to their high resolution and technological level/maturity. However, these microdisplays are typically not transparent due to their silicon-based technology. Therefore, a complex optical system is required for use in see-through data glasses and similar devices, which allows the combination of real and virtual images (optical combiner). This has significant implications on the weight, size, and optical efficiency of the entire glasses. Current optical see-through near-to-eye displays (NTE) in augmented-reality devices attempt to solve the form factor problem through various technical approaches, such as coupling images from non-transparent image sources into waveguide or fold element optics.

The scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS have years of experience in developing innovative designs for novel microdisplays and possess a globally unique expertise in this field. Thanks to their newly developed semi-transparent OLED-on-silicon microdisplay technology, completely new possibilities for optical design of slim, near-eye optics are being opened up.