A*STAR and OPUS Microsystems team up to develop MEMS scanner for smartphone laser projectors

(Image: A*STAR)

Singapore--A*STAR Institute of Microelectronics (IME) and Opus Microsystems (Taipei, Taiwan), a specialist in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanning-mirror devices, have signed an agreement to refine and develop a MEMS scanning mirror for smartphone picoprojector applications.

The project is Opus Microsystems’ first research partnership and project in Singapore. IME will lead the process design and development, while Opus Microsystems will contribute in the design of the scanning mirror.

MEMS scanning-mirror (micromirror) technology is expected to be heavily incorporated into the next generation of smartphones. To meet this demand, the two parties will work together on the development of a slimmer and smaller MEMS micromirror with high performance. The resulting device, like all picoprojectors, would ultimately turn any surface into a display.

“The interest in picoprojectors has gained traction in recent years, but the industry challenge remains in achieving a cutting edge technology that will allow the integration of a small-scale projector into smartphones while maintaining a high-resolution output,” says Dim-Lee Kwong, Executive Director of A*STAR IME.