Active retinal projection augmented reality display via pixel-to-pixel collimation

As the next-generation human–computer interface, augmented reality display technology has been gradually popular, depending on advances in system architectures. However, existing waveguide and passive retinal projection display solutions are unable to combine their respective advantages to address increasingly demanding performance requirements. Herein, we propose an active retinal projection display (A-RPD) concept based on collimated active-matrix microdisplay panels. By deriving and validating the collimation-dependent depth of focus, the optimization direction of this architecture is emphasized. Through the direct integration of pixel-to-pixel collimators on the microdisplay panels, an A-RPD prototype featuring a balanced design and performance has been successfully constructed. It enables clear retinal imaging from 40 cm to 160 cm, which significantly surpasses that of the uncollimated microdisplay. The proposed active retinal projection architecture retains the advantages of retinal projection while simplifying the architecture. This work highlights its importance and superiority and provides foundations for its further expansion in practical applications.