MEMS scanning mirror for smartphone applications

A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and Taiwan-based OPUS Microsystems Corporation have signed an agreement to refine and develop a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanning mirror for smartphone applications. This would enable phones to project photos and videos on any surface, and with no constraints on the viewing screen size on the mobile devices.

MEMS scanning mirror, or micromirror, technology, used in light-modulating devices, has undergone rapid technological progress over the years. This has led to the high video and image quality observed in high-definition televisions and, more recently, digital cinemas. This technology is expected to be heavily incorporated into the next generation of smartphones.

To meet this demand, the two parties will work together on the development of an optimised MEMS scanning mirror which will enable a pico-projector for smartphones applications. Through the project, the two parties aim to achieve a slimmer and smaller MEMS micromirror with high performance offering a compact yet high-resolution pico-projector solution for smartphones. This would ultimately turn any surface into a display.

Illustration of how a MEMS Pico-Projector works.

This project, which signifies OPUS Microsystems’ first research partnership and project in Singapore, will build on IME’s extensive experience and knowledge in the field of MEMS. IME will lead the process design and development while OPUS Microsystems will contribute in the design of the scanning mirror.

“We are delighted that OPUS Microsystems has chosen IME to be their partner for their first research project in Singapore. The interest in pico-projectors has gained traction in recent years, but the industry challenge remains in achieving a cutting-edge technology that will allow the integration of a small-scale projector into smartphones while maintaining a high-resolution output. It is an exciting research and development opportunity for IME to be part of such a project that will potentially lead to a technological breakthrough,” commented Prof Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of A*STAR IME.