A virtual reality (VR) headset is a device that uses high-quality graphics to replace the wearer’s natural environment with virtual content. Many high-end VR headsets, like the Oculus Rift CV1 and Odyssey VR headsets, use OLED panels to create an immersive experience. However, Samsung believes that OLED panels are not ideal for use in augmented reality (AR) headsets. According to a report from South Korean news outlet The Elec, Samsung Display is working on developing MicroLED displays for use in AR devices instead of OLED panels. The report states that MicroLED displays offer high luminance, which is essential for AR headsets.
Unlike VR headsets, which have enclosed displays, AR headsets work in a real environment and need bright displays to show data and content. Samsung explains that current OLED panels do not offer the necessary brightness, as OLED panels have conventionally lower luminance levels compared to LEDs. To solve this problem, Samsung Display is developing panels that use silicon instead of glass, known as MicroLED on Silicon (abbreviated as “LEDoS”). The company is reportedly working on both LEDoS and OLEDoS (OLED on Silicon) displays.
According to Kim Min-Woo, the group leader at Samsung Display, AR displays require a minimum of 5,000 pixels per inch (ppi). Samsung aims to develop LEDoS displays with 6,600 pixels. He also states that the pixel pitch (distance between pixels) should be 5 micrometres or below and the RGB subpixels should be 3 micrometres or smaller. Additionally, the LED chip should be 10 micrometres or smaller.
In comparison, Samsung’s Odyssey VR headset has a display with 615ppi. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also showcased prototypes of VR headsets that Facebook is working on, claiming they will have displays with up to 20,000 nits brightness, but will likely have 10,000 nits brightness when released.