Aircraft

Thales is to develop cockpit displays using a holographic laser projection system pioneered by UK company Light Blue Optics (LBO) that combines light weight and high brightness with the promise of low cost.

A diffraction pattern of the two-dimensonal image is displayed on a phase-modulating liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) microdisplay.

When the microdisplay is illuminated by coherent laser light, the image is projected.

The phase-modulating LCOS steers the light to where it is needed, making the system highly efficient, according to LBO.

Unlike conventional systems, the technology does not require a projection lens or focus control, the company says.

Instead a demagnification lens pair expands the diffracted image from the microdisplay, producing an image throw angle of greater than 90º.

Images can be projected on to curved and angled surfaces without distortion, says LBO.

Avionics manufacturer Thales says it has identified a range of "early revenue opportunities" for the technology.

LBO has agreed to provide engineering samples of its miniature laser projection system as part of a collaboration to produce advanced cockpit displays.

"Light Blue Optics' proprietary projection technology provides a range of benefits including exceptional levels of brightness and a robust, lightweight optical architecture that is highly tolerant to a range of micro display defects," says LBO's director of business development and co-founder Edward Buckley.