For manufacturers working on 3D display technology, selecting the right glass material is pivotal. Glass isn’t just a screen; it plays a direct role in image clarity, color accuracy, and device lifespan. A recent breakthrough study from Yildiz Technical University highlights rare-earth doped glass as a major advancement for volumetric 3D displays, promising vivid full-color effects and strong durability. In this guide, we explain which glass types are used for 3D displays, and why rare-earth doped glass stands out.
Glass Options for 3D Display Manufacturing
Manufacturers typically choose from three main glass types when designing a 3D display:
- Standard Optical Glass – Clear and easy to produce, but limited in color and contrast.
- Crystal Materials (e.g., ZBLAN) – Good optical quality, but costly and difficult to scale.
- Rare-Earth (RE) Doped Glass – Emerging as a strong candidate for full-color volumetric displays.
Why Rare-Earth Doped Glass Wins for 3D Displays
Full RGB Color from One Material
RE-doped glass includes ions like Ho³⁺, Tm³⁺, Nd³⁺, and Yb³⁺. When illuminated by 808 nm or 980 nm lasers, it emits red, green, and blue light—producing a true RGB display without needing multiple layers . This simplifies production and ensures better color alignment.
Key Specs:
- Transmittance: > 90% across visible light
- Contrast Ratio: > 2000:1
Exceptional Clarity, Stability, and Strength
RE-doped glass offers excellent thermal resistance—able to withstand temperatures above 300 °C, ideal for laser-based 3D display use . It is also chemically stable and mechanically robust, reducing the risk of cracking and ensuring longevity.
Comparative Overview of Glass Types
| Feature | RE-Doped Glass | Standard Optical Glass | Crystal (ZBLAN) |
| Full RGB Emission | ✔ Yes | ✘ No | ✘ Partial (extra steps) |
| Light Transmission | > 90% | ~80–85% | ~85% |
| Contrast Ratio | > 2000:1 | ~1000:1 | ~1200:1 |
| Heat Resistance | > 300 °C | 150–200 °C | ~200 °C |
| Production Scalability | ✔ High | ✔ High | ✘ Low |
This table shows RE-doped glass combines high performance with scalable production—unlike fragile crystals or low-contrast standard glass.
Why Manufacturers Should Switch to RE-Doped Glass
Simplified Production Process
With RE-doped glass, there’s no need for color filters or assembly of multiple glass layers—simplifying manufacturing and improving reliability.
Cost-Effective Scaling
Melt-and-cast methods allow bulk production of monolithic glass blocks. Unlike crystal growth methods, which are slow and size-limited, RE-doped glass supports mass manufacturing.
High Reliability Under Laser Use
3D display systems use focused lasers for upconversion. RE-doped glass resists thermal stress and maintains image quality over extended use, unlike standard options that degrade fast.
Technical Guidelines for Manufacturers
To guide production, here are typical specs for optimal 3D display glass implementation:
- Thickness: 5–30 cm depending on display design
- Voxel Density: ≥ 1000 voxels/cm³ for smooth visuals
- Laser Compatibility: Supports 808 nm/980 nm excitation
- Operational Lifespan: ≥ 10,000 hours
- Loss in Visible Range: < 10% transmission loss
Meeting these parameters ensures high-quality display performance and longevity.
Conclusion
When manufacturing 3D displays, rare-earth doped monolithic glass is the superior material choice. It outperforms standard optical glass and fragile crystal alternatives across crucial metrics—color output, clarity, durability, and scalability. By adopting RE-doped glass, producers can offer brighter, sharper, and more affordable volumetric displays.
