Samsung Electronics and POSTECH have jointly developed a technology capable of switching between 2D and 3D screens on a single display and published their research findings in the international journal *Nature*. This research focused on improving the structural limitations of existing 3D displays.

Samsung Electronics announced on the 27th that it has developed a 'metasurface lenticular lens-based 2D-3D conversion display' through industry-academia collaboration with POSTECH, and that the paper has been published in Nature. The research involved the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and researchers from POSTECH.

This technology utilizes an ultra-thin metasurface lens composed of a nano-scale structure to switch the display between 2D and 3D modes. While existing light field-based 3D displays could provide a sense of depth, their range of applications was limited due to a narrow viewing angle, low resolution, and thick lens structure.

The research team solved the problem by controlling polarization, the direction of light vibration. By designing the metalens so that its optical properties change depending on the polarization state, they enabled the lens function to be switched using only voltage. In 2D mode, it cancels out lens effects to create a clear flat image, and in 3D mode, it enhances the sense of depth.

This technology is distinguished by its ability to selectively implement high-resolution 2D screens and 3D screens with multiple viewpoints on a single display. Another difference from existing methods is that it can create stereoscopic images without a separate eye-tracking device.

Improvements were also made in terms of optical performance. The metalens developed by the research team was manufactured with a thickness of approximately 1.2 mm while securing a maximum field of view of 100 degrees. This represents a significant expansion compared to the field of view of existing 3D displays, providing an environment where multiple users can view stereoscopic images simultaneously.

In addition, the research team verified the technology by combining it with an actual mobile OLED display panel. By fabricating a metalens approximately 50mm in size and confirming its applicability, they demonstrated a level of technology that is close to commercialization, moving beyond the verification of concept.

This research is regarded as a case that expands functionality while reducing the physical limitations of display structures. Its potential for future application in various fields, such as smartphones, tablets, and commercial displays, is being raised.