Plessey enters into long-term micro-LED supply agreement with Vuzix

An exclusive display device design and long-term supply agreement will support the development and production of next-generation augmented reality (AR) products and solutions combining the micro-LED light source technology of UK-based Plessey with the expertise and IP in smart glasses and essential optics technologies of Vuzix Corp of Rochester, NY, USA.

Vuzix has already developed an evolving family of smart glasses culminating in the Vuzix Blade, a next-generation smart display with a see-through viewing experience via its proprietary waveguide optics. Formed from glass with precision nanostructures, the waveguide enables users to see high-resolution computer-generated graphics, images and information superimposed over images from the physical or real world.

Plessey says that its micro-LED solution will simplify existing smart glasses’ complex optical system of red, green and blue light sources and their additional optics by replacing it with a single self-emitting display that has integrated micro-optical elements. Size, weight and power reduction are key considerations in the AR wearables market. Existing light source systems have considerable losses all the way through to the waveguide and the optical systems around them are bulky and complex, whereas an emissive micro-LED has simple optical requirements, allowing a much smaller footprint with minimal system losses by placing the light source directly in front of the waveguide.

“Micro-LED technology represents a key part of the solution needed to bring the form and functionality of Vuzix next-generation smart glasses to the look and feel of fashion forward glasses,” believes Vuzix’s president & CEO Paul Travers.

“By overcoming the difficulties of manufacturing micro-LEDs on a commercial scale, Plessey is playing a central role in providing next-generation technology to the augmented reality and display markets,” says Plessey’s president of corporate and business development Mike Lee.

Tags: Plessey GaN-on-Si microLED

Visit: www.plesseysemiconductors.com/products/microleds

Visit: www.vuzix.com