Dutch startup Brilliance, which is developing tiny laser modules for augmented reality (AR) displays, has received €2 million in seed funding.
The Enschede, Netherlands-based company says it has developed laser technology in photonic integrated circuit (PIC) format with higher resolution and energy consumption than existing AR projection displays.
"The €2 million investment from OOST NL and PhotonVentures underscores confidence in Brilliance's approach to innovation and enables the company to grow further," the company announced. ”
Chief executive officer Tim Tiek said the patented approach builds on years of PIC development and spin-offs at the nearby University of Twente, including foundry businesses Lionix and Phix Photonics, to deliver the right combination of optical performance, compactness and scalability required for consumer electronics.
"Miniaturization is the key to the success of the development of AR headsets, because in order to achieve the ultimate wearing comfort, the device must be as small as possible, preferably almost invisible," he says. In addition, it is essential to have very clear images, especially in outdoor applications, while energy consumption must be kept to a minimum. We are now able to overcome these challenges by producing the smallest, most efficient chip solutions. ”
The module has an area of 7 4 mm and a thickness of 15 mm.
Douwe Geuzebroek, CTO who previously served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Lionix, added: "By using the approaches of the semiconductor and photonics industries, our modules can also be scaled to the required quantities in these markets. ”
In a recent development, Brilliance demonstrated a prototype chip fabricated using a new flip-chip method, with the laser chip "upside down" placed on other photonic components.
"Brilliance's capabilities allow for precise control of light output characteristics, ensure compatibility with advanced eye-tracking systems, and guarantee durability through a sealed design and strategic electrical connections," the company said. ”
The company's next steps include further development of the current generation of "proof-of-concept" laser engines into custom prototypes, as well as initial steps for future mass production. The company is also hiring for several positions.
"With this investment, we can scale up our silicon nitride-based PIC technology to the industrial scale required for the AR market," Mr Tiek said. Therefore, we are pleased that the confidence of our new shareholders has made our next development possible. ”
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