Enhancing pixel density in augmented reality displays via multi-channel interleaved imaging with metalens-coupled micro-LED islands

With continuous advancements in technology, augmented reality (AR) is emerging as a next-generation display solution, seamlessly integrating real and virtual environments. This study presents a direct near-eye AR system based on the integration of blue micro light-emitting diode (LED) islands and a metalens array. Each channel employs a transmissive metalens to collimate divergent light from micro-LEDs into parallel rays, which are directed to the eye to form an augmented image. Additionally, precisely designed optical axis offsets control the light paths across multiple channels, facilitating pixel interleaving to minimize pixel spacing and enhance pixel density. This approach resolves micro-LED pixels measuring 5 × 5 µm² with a 12 µm pitch into a target image with the same pixel size but an effective pitch of 6 µm. The demonstrated multi-channel system leverages optical interleaving to bypass pixel pitch limitations in lateral micro-LED structures, paving the way for ultra-thin, high-efficiency AR systems.