Researchers from North Carolina State University and ImagineOptix Corporation have developed new technology to convert unpolarized light into polarized light, which makes projectors that use liquid crystal (LC) technology almost twice as energy efficient. The new technology has resulted in smaller, lower cost and more efficient projectors, meaning longer battery life and significantly lower levels of heat.

Researchers used the technology to create a small picoprojector, seen here, which could be embedded in a smartphone, tablet or other device. (Image courtesy of ImagineOptix Corp.)

The ImagineOptix-sponsored research team was also able to use the technology to create a small “pico projector,” which could be embedded in a smartphone, tablet or other device.

Dr. Michael Escuti, a researcher at North Carolina State comments on the commercial implications:

  “The commercial implications are broad reaching. Projectors that rely on batteries will be able to run for almost twice as long. And LC projectors  of all kinds can be made twice as bright but use the same amount of power that they do now. However, we can’t promise that this will make classes  and meetings twice as exciting.”

Because only approximately 10 percent of the unpolarized light is converted into heat – as opposed to the more than 50 percent light loss that stems from using conventional polarization filters – the new technology will also reduce the need for loud cooling fans and enable more compact designs. We’ve been a long-time fan of pico projectors here, so telling us that you have found a way to make them smaller, quieter, and brighter is good in our book.

The original article here.