TDK unveils world's first metalens-based DRP display for smart glasses

On October 2, 2026, TDK, a Japanese maker of electronic components, announced a display for smart glasses that it describes as the world's first to pair a meta-optic mirror with direct retinal projection (DRP). The Chinese outlet IT之家 reported on the announcement the following day, October 3.

According to TDK, the meta-optic mirror is an ultra-thin planar reflective element the company developed itself. It redirects light using a "negative reflection angle," reproducing the function of a conventional curved mirror within a flat structure just 150 nanometers thick. DRP refers to a display technique that projects laser light directly onto the retina inside the eye. Compared with conventional methods that form an image in front of the eye, DRP is said to produce clear images across different vision conditions while cutting down on how much of the projected image leaks into the surrounding environment. The mirror can be embedded in eyeglass lenses and has a visible light transmittance of 80%. TDK says the design avoids the rainbow-like "eye glow" pattern commonly seen with waveguide displays and limits how much projection light escapes outward.

The report also cites figures from a Fuji Chimera Research Institute study, "Latest Trends in the XR-Related Optical Components Market 2025," which projects that global smart glasses shipments will grow rapidly, reaching 83 million units by 2030. The announcement places the product at a public demonstration stage; no mass production timeline or partners were mentioned in the materials.