Date: Apr 17, 2012 Source: BusinessWeek (
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SBG Labs Inc. announced that it has signed a ten year agreement with Rockwell Collins Inc. to bring to market next-generation avionics and military displays based on its breakthrough DigiLens, Switchable Waveguide Technology. SBG has developed a unique electro-holographic material and recording process that enhances the optical architecture of transparent displays, making use of thin, flat 'switchable waveguide' optics. The use of waveguide optics in displays has already transformed illumination in smartphones, tablets, PC's and TV's, delivering super thin form factor. Here, non-switching waveguide optics couple light from tiny LED's to 'edge light' the display. Emitted light is trapped in an ultra thin glass or plastic sheet and efficiently guided to backlight the LCD panel. Samsung Sharp and LG have been leaders in waveguide backlights and deliver three millimeters thin displays for products including the iPad3. The DigiLens(R), Switchable Waveguide Technology takes flat panel waveguide optics to the next level, going beyond purely illumination, but guiding actual images. In doing so, the large glass LCD display panel itself be replaced with a tiny edge-lit silicon microdisplays.