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Meta-Lens Enables Wavelength-Dependent Focal Control in Compact Optics
Kyocera Corporation has developed a sub-millimetre meta-lens that shifts focal position by wavelength, supporting compact optical systems and a wearable aerial display prototype.
global.kyocera.com
Wearable Aerial Display
Meta-lens design and optical principle
The newly developed meta-lens is based on a metasurface structure composed of densely arranged pillar-shaped meta-atoms, each smaller than the wavelength of visible light. By precisely controlling the geometry and arrangement of these meta-atoms, the lens manipulates light propagation and phase at the surface level rather than through bulk material thickness.
This approach allows the optical element to be manufactured at less than 1 mm thickness, compared with conventional refractive lenses that typically exceed 1 cm. Multiple optical functions, including wavelength-dependent focal control and phase modulation, are integrated into a single component, reducing the number of lenses and optical assemblies required in a system.
Conventional refractive lens (left) and Kyocera's newly developed meta-lens (right)
Wavelength-controlled depth perception
A key technical characteristic of the meta-lens is its ability to shift focal position depending on the wavelength of incoming light. Images formed using shorter or longer wavelengths are projected at different apparent distances from the viewer, enabling depth separation based on colour.
This wavelength-dependent focusing enables the generation of aerial images with depth cues without relying on stacked optical layers or mechanically complex assemblies. As a result, three-dimensional visual effects can be produced within a compact, wearable-scale optical module.
Wearable aerial display prototype
By combining the meta-lens with its existing aerial imaging technologies, Kyocera has developed a wearable aerial display prototype capable of projecting floating images with colour-dependent depth. The prototype demonstrates how metasurface optics can support realistic depth perception while maintaining a lightweight and compact form factor.
The device is scheduled to make its first public appearance at CES 2026, held from January 6 to 9, 2026 in Las Vegas.
Meta-atom structures (far right)
Engineering relevance and future development
Current implementation allows focal depth variation by colour channel. Further refinement of meta-atom design and wavelength control could enable full-colour, higher-resolution aerial imagery and smoother three-dimensional projection.
Due to their thin and lightweight construction, meta-lenses are suited to applications where optical volume and mass are critical constraints, including wearable VR and AR devices, compact cameras, and space-limited projection systems.
Kyocera stated that continued development of metasurface-based optics is aimed at extending these capabilities across consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and emerging optical applications.
www.kyocera.com
Meta-lens design and optical principle
The newly developed meta-lens is based on a metasurface structure composed of densely arranged pillar-shaped meta-atoms, each smaller than the wavelength of visible light. By precisely controlling the geometry and arrangement of these meta-atoms, the lens manipulates light propagation and phase at the surface level rather than through bulk material thickness.
This approach allows the optical element to be manufactured at less than 1 mm thickness, compared with conventional refractive lenses that typically exceed 1 cm. Multiple optical functions, including wavelength-dependent focal control and phase modulation, are integrated into a single component, reducing the number of lenses and optical assemblies required in a system.
Conventional refractive lens (left) and Kyocera's newly developed meta-lens (right)
Wavelength-controlled depth perception
A key technical characteristic of the meta-lens is its ability to shift focal position depending on the wavelength of incoming light. Images formed using shorter or longer wavelengths are projected at different apparent distances from the viewer, enabling depth separation based on colour.
This wavelength-dependent focusing enables the generation of aerial images with depth cues without relying on stacked optical layers or mechanically complex assemblies. As a result, three-dimensional visual effects can be produced within a compact, wearable-scale optical module.
Wearable aerial display prototype
By combining the meta-lens with its existing aerial imaging technologies, Kyocera has developed a wearable aerial display prototype capable of projecting floating images with colour-dependent depth. The prototype demonstrates how metasurface optics can support realistic depth perception while maintaining a lightweight and compact form factor.
The device is scheduled to make its first public appearance at CES 2026, held from January 6 to 9, 2026 in Las Vegas.
Meta-atom structures (far right)
Engineering relevance and future development
Current implementation allows focal depth variation by colour channel. Further refinement of meta-atom design and wavelength control could enable full-colour, higher-resolution aerial imagery and smoother three-dimensional projection.
Due to their thin and lightweight construction, meta-lenses are suited to applications where optical volume and mass are critical constraints, including wearable VR and AR devices, compact cameras, and space-limited projection systems.
Kyocera stated that continued development of metasurface-based optics is aimed at extending these capabilities across consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and emerging optical applications.
www.kyocera.com
