Zeiss's Multifunctional Smart Glass Technology Revolutionizing the Screen Industry

Monday - January 8 2024, 08:03 UTC - 10 months ago

German optics powerhouse Zeiss is set to unveil its cutting-edge Multifunctional Smart Glass technology at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The layer of ultra-high-precision optics can turn any glass surface into an interactive and dynamic display with over 92 percent transparency, serving as the canvas for holographic projections. Applications range from automotive head-up displays for cars to transparent cameras and environmental data collection.

German optics powerhouse Zeiss is set to unveil its Multifunctional Smart Glass technology at the upcoming CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The cutting-edge technology boasts the ability to project holographic and augmented-reality content on a transparent surface, opening doors to a myriad of applications, from automotive head-up displays to smart home innovations.

The thin polymer film at the core of the technology can turn any glass surface - be it the windows of buildings, transparent screens, or vehicle side windows - into an interactive and dynamic display, offering over 92 percent transparency.

A Gutenberg moment .

At the heart of Zeiss's Multifunctional Smart Glass technology is a thin, transparent layer equipped with ultra-high-precision optics. This layer, with transparency exceeding 92 percent, serves as the canvas for holographic projections and can turn any glass surface into an on-demand screen for communications with maximum clarity.

"This technological milestone for holography can be compared to what the invention of letterpress printing meant for writing," said Roman Kleindienst, Vice President of Zeiss Microoptics, in a statement, describing the technology as the "Gutenberg moment" for holography.

The replication technology introduced by Zeiss breaks the conventional constraints of small production runs, enabling the large-scale production of holograms for the first time. This technology has already found applications in space missions conducted by ESA and NASA, as well as in the semiconductor and medical technology sectors.

Beyond the screen .

One of the most intriguing applications of Zeiss's technology is the "holocam," a transparent camera seamlessly integrated into glass panels. The holocam leverages coupling, decoupling, and light-guiding elements to divert incident light to a concealed sensor.

This technology eliminates the need for visible cutouts or installation space for cameras and sensors, introducing a sleek, unobtrusive design, and could find its place in parking sensors of cars and driver fatigue detection systems.

Another interesting application of the holocam would be videoconferencing where placing the holocam at the center of the screen would allow participants to make eye contact naturally, with the technology’s brilliant transparency causing the slightest of effects on image reproduction.

Zeiss envisions its technology being utilized not only for entertainment purposes but also for environmental data collection, including monitoring air pollution and UV exposure.

Holograms Everywhere .

Besides the transparent camera, Zeiss will also showcase augmented Reality Head-Up Displays (HUDs) for cars at CES 2024, offering drivers a seamless and safe interface for crucial information without diverting attention from the road.

The technology could extend beyond dashboard displays, transforming side and rear windows into platforms for Car2X communications, blacking out window glass, or showcasing projected text and images visible only from specific angles.

Beyond the automotive sector, Zeiss sees potential in smart homes, where holographic 3D control elements can appear on faucets, refrigerators, and other home appliances.