The academic institution has devised a projector measuring a single cubic centimetre.
Power demands from the device are as much as 30 per cent less than currently available technology, reducing the strain on the miniature electrical connectors to which it may be wired in consumer electronics.
The operation of the projector is simple, as it provides a focused image at any distance from the screen.
Instead of adjusting the focus, moving the device forward or backward modifies the size of the image produced.
At 50 cm from the screen, an image size of 15 inches is achieved.
Potential applications suggested include heads-up displays for vehicles or even beaming patient information directly on to the individual during surgery, allowing the physician to continue working without having to look up.
The projector was developed by Lemoptix, a spin-off company from EPFL which specialises in microimaging systems combining electronic and mechanical scanning mirror technologies.
