A team of German physicists from Julius-Maximilians University of Würzburg has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in nanophotonics by developing the world’s smallest light-emitting pixel. This innovation could spark a revolution in VR headsets, AR systems, and smart glasses, pushing the limits of display miniaturization and wearable technology.
Until now, the challenge of creating compact smart glasses was constrained by bulky optical components and physical limits on light emission when pixels shrink below the size of a single wavelength. The Würzburg researchers overcame this by integrating optical antennas to construct the tiniest-ever light-emitting pixel, led by Professors Jens Pflaum and Bert Hecht.
According to Professor Hecht, the breakthrough was achieved by using a metal contact that injects current into an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) while simultaneously amplifying and radiating the generated light. “We created an orange pixel just 300 x 300 nanometers in size, with brightness equivalent to a standard OLED pixel of 5 x 5 micrometers,” Hecht explained.
This means that a 1920×1080 display could theoretically fit on a 1 mm² surface, opening the door for integrated microdisplays small enough to fit within eyewear frames. From there, light could be projected directly onto the lenses, forming the basis for next-generation augmented and virtual reality devices.
How It Works: Nano-OLED and Optical Precision
The new nano-OLED structure consists of ultra-thin organic layers sandwiched between two electrodes. When electric current passes through, electrons and holes recombine, exciting organic molecules that release energy as light. Since every pixel emits light independently, there is no need for backlighting, resulting in deeper blacks, brighter colors, and lower power consumption — ideal for wearable devices like VR and AR headsets.
However, one major obstacle has been the uneven current distribution at nanoscale levels. Simply shrinking traditional OLED designs would cause current leakage from the corners of electrodes, leading to burnout and short circuits. The researchers compared this phenomenon to lightning rods, where current tends to concentrate at sharp edges.
To solve this, the team designed a gold-based optical antenna shaped like a rectangular block (300 x 300 x 50 nanometers). They then added a special insulating layer that leaves only a 200-nanometer circular opening at the center. This prevents edge currents, ensuring stable operation and extended pixel lifespan.
Toward RGB and Next-Generation Displays
Currently, the new nano-pixel emits orange light with an efficiency of about 1%, but the researchers are optimistic. Their next goal is to boost performance and expand the emission spectrum to include red, green, and blue (RGB) wavelengths. Once achieved, this could lead to full-color nano-displays with unprecedented pixel density, reshaping the future of miniaturized optical technologies.
According to Professor Pflaum, “Our next challenge is to enhance the emission efficiency while ensuring long-term stability. Once we reach RGB range, the path to fully functional miniature displays will be open.”
If successful, this technology could mark a turning point for display engineering, enabling ultra-thin, high-resolution visual systems for smart glasses, compact projectors, and wearable augmented reality platforms. It also opens possibilities for integrated visual AI interfaces that seamlessly blend with human vision.
Conclusion:
The creation of the world’s smallest light pixel by German scientists is more than a laboratory success — it’s a technological leap that could redefine how we experience digital visuals. With ongoing efforts to expand the color range and efficiency, this innovation brings us closer to lightweight, energy-efficient, and high-definition wearable displays that merge the real and digital worlds like never before.
