microdisplay

A microdisplay is a small projection or direct-view display, typically less than one inch in diagonal. These displays are crucial components in a variety of modern electronic devices, enabling compact and high-resolution visual output.

Microdisplays are characterized by their extremely small pixel size, which allows for a high pixel density and consequently, sharp and detailed images. The technology behind microdisplays can vary, with common types including Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) on silicon. LCoS displays use liquid crystals to modulate light reflected from a silicon chip. DLP technology, developed by Texas Instruments, employs tiny mirrors on a silicon chip to reflect light. OLED microdisplays utilize self-emissive organic compounds to produce light for each pixel.

The applications of microdisplays are diverse. They are widely used in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets, where their small size and high resolution are essential for creating immersive visual experiences. They also find use in heads-up displays (HUDs) for vehicles and aviation, allowing critical information to be projected directly into the user's field of view. Other applications include compact projectors, electronic viewfinders for cameras, and certain types of smart glasses. The ongoing development in microdisplay technology continues to push the boundaries of resolution, brightness, and power efficiency, further expanding their potential uses.