April 20, 2012 – Marketwire — SBG Labs, Inc., electro-holographic materials and device maker, will bring to market avionics and military displays based on its switchable waveguide DigiLens optics, under a 10-year agreement with Rockwell Collins.
SBG’s electro-holographic material and recording process enhances the optical architecture of transparent displays, making use of thin, flat "switchable waveguide" optics. SBG claims that switchable waveguide optics can replace LCD glass panels with tiny, edge-lit silicon microdisplays.
In smartphones, tablets, TVs, and other displays, non-switching waveguide optics couple light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to edge light the display panel. Emitted light is trapped in an ultra thin glass or plastic sheet and efficiently guided to backlight the LCD panel. The DigiLens Switchable Waveguide Technology guides actual images, not just illumination.
SBG developed a Switchable Bragg Grating, an electro-holographic optical technology that records holographic optics into its proprietary nanocomposite electro-optical material.
The agreement with Rockwell Collins showcases the commercial potential of switchable-waveguide-based displays, said Dr. Jonathan Waldern, SBG Labs founder and CTO, adding that his company is seeking to add experienced optical engineering staff at all levels to accommodate growth.
Rockwell Collins develops and deploys innovative avionics solutions. Website: http://www.rockwellcollins.com/.
SBG Labs Inc. is an optical technology company making electrically switchable holographic device technology for displays, imaging, optical switches and integrated optical micro devices. Learn more at http://www.sbglabs.com/.