Samsung, in cooperation with POSTECH University, presented a new generation of screen that can switch between classic 2D and realistic 3D display without the use of glasses. The solution is based on an advanced optical structure known as a metasurface lenticular lens, which uses structures at the nanometer level to control light.
Unlike previous attempts with 3D screens, the new technology uses the principle of light field display, where light is emitted from multiple directions to simulate the way the human eye perceives real objects. This approach makes it possible to create a 3D effect without the need for special glasses and without a limited viewing position to experience the 3D effect.
Transition from 2D to 3D without loss of image quality
The key difference compared to existing solutions is in the construction of the optical layer. Traditional light-field displays rely on bulky lenses, have limited viewing angles, and often require user eye tracking. Samsung’s metasurface technology eliminates these disadvantages, because it enables complex optical functions in an extremely thin layer.
The new structure can change the focus characteristics depending on the voltage, which allows easy switching between 2D and 3D modes. According to the available data, the current prototype supports a viewing angle of up to 100 degrees, with a layer thickness of only 1.2 millimeters, which represents a significant improvement compared to previous generations.
However, the technology is still in the early stages of development. The current demonstration panel has a diagonal of about 25 centimeters, which is far from the dimensions needed for televisions or larger devices. Therefore, the first commercial application is expected in specific segments, such as professional screens, small devices or specialized industrial solutions.
Despite this, developments are moving in a direction that could reopen the issue of 3D displays in the field of consumer electronics. Although the return of 3D TVs is not expected anytime soon, advances in technology like this show that the concept has not been abandoned, but is evolving through new approaches and technical solutions, writes Tech Radar.