Micro-OLED, also known as OLEDoS and OLED microdisplays, is one of the rare cases where the tech is exactly as it sounds: tiny OLED “micro” displays. In this case, not only are the pixels themselves smaller, but the entire “panels” are smaller. This is possible thanks to advancements in manufacturing, including mounting the display-making segments in each pixel directly to a silicon chip. This enables pixels to be much, much smaller.
Micro-OLED retains many advantages of OLED displays and has the potential for higher resolution than traditional OLED, making it suitable for applications distinct from traditional OLED used in smartphones.
In our daily use, smartphones and TVs have clear displays without any issues, indicating they have decent resolutions. So why is there a need to seek higher pixel density display technology for near-eye displays?
The key lies in the phrase “near-eye.”
In daily life, we may notice that screens with lower resolutions appear clearer when viewed from a distance. However, bringing the eyes close to the screen can reveal pixel boundaries because the number of pixels in the field of view decreases as the distance shortens.
For standard smartphone and TV viewing, the screen is usually viewed from a distance where display technologies with typical pixel densities can provide sufficient clarity. However, when using the same display panel for near-eye displays, the closer the eyes are to the screen, the fewer pixels in the field of view, making individual pixels more distinguishable and causing the screen to appear “blurry.” This is when the display must have the ability to significantly reduce pixel sizes within a tiny physical space, allowing more pixels to be packed into the limited area. As a result, when the eyes are close to the screen, there are enough pixels in the field of view to ensure a clear image. This is where micro-OLED displays replace LCD microdisplays.
In addition, from a visual perspective, the human eye’s resolution is not constant but rather influenced by ambient brightness. Resolution decreases in low light conditions, while excessively high brightness can cause glare and is not necessarily better. The eye’s ability to resolve details is also related to the relative contrast of the observed objects; when the relative contrast is low, and the brightness of the object and the background are too similar, the eye’s resolution decreases.
Therefore, micro-OLED displays can provide higher pixel density, appropriate brightness, and contrast for the main display of headsets. This enhancement improves visual clarity and enhances immersive experiences, making them the mainstream choice in near-eye display technology.
