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Figure 18. Future trends and challenges.
Although the two aforementioned technologies have made significant breakthroughs and are full of potential, they come with high costs, limited applications, and singular display effects. Currently, they remain in the laboratory development phase, and their short-term commercial viability is unlikely to shape the future direction of this field.
3.5 Light field 3D display technology
This technology captures light field information( light ray direction, position, and intensity) to record and reconstruct the 3D structure of a scene, providing multi-angle, depth perception, and stereoscopic imagery. Light field data is typically represented by a 4D dataset( position and direction) [ 60 ].
Key technologies in light field 3D display include light field data capture, light field cameras, image reconstruction, and display technology. Light field data is captured using microlens arrays or multi-view camera arrays, which record both the spatial position and direction of each light ray. Devices like microlens-based cameras( e. g., Lytro) are used to capture multi-view light ray information through optical components. The captured data is then processed through computer algorithms to reconstruct 3D images, allowing for viewpoint adjustments and depth of field changes. For display, light field technology enables glasses-free 3D viewing and supports holographic projections as well as VR / AR devices for immersive experiences [ 61, 62 ].
The advantages of light field 3D display technology include high realism, glasses-free 3D effects, dynamic viewpoint control, and a wide range of applications. It provides rich 3D information and supports dynamic viewpoint adjustments, enhancing the overall realism of the experience. Additionally, it enables stereoscopic vision without the need for special equipment [ 63 ]. The technology also allows users to freely change viewpoints within a scene, making it ideal for virtual reality( VR) and augmented reality( AR) applications. Furthermore, light field 3D display is widely used in fields such as medical display, film production, advertising, and VR / AR.
In 2020, Hayato Watanabe et al. systematically reviewed full-parallax light-field 3D display technologies, focusing on three core methods: integral 3D display, Aktina Vision, and compressive light field display [ 64 ].
The integral 3D display features a simple structure and is suitable for thin devices; Aktina Vision achieves high pixel density and full parallax through multi-projection and a customized diffusing screen; the compressive light field display approximates light field reconstruction with relatively high pixel density via layered image stacking, though it faces challenges such as approximation errors and system complexity. The study highlights that highquality light field displays still require massive image information, and future improvements may involve multi-device collaboration and time-division multiplexing, with promising applications in exhibitions, education, entertainment, and other fields.
In 2025, Cheng-Bo Zhao et al. optimized the beam divergence angle of a 2D display to ± 2.7 ° using a compound microlens array, achieving high-precision beam directionality. Coupled with a flat-panel aspheric lenticular lens array for beam modulation, the system realizes a 100 ° wide viewing angle, crosstalk-free, full-color dynamic( 30 Hz) light field 3D display as shown in Figure 16 [ 65 ]. With its compact structure and enhanced resolution, the system is suitable for multi-user immersive 3D visual applications in education, medical imaging, exhibitions, and beyond.
Looking Glass is unique in its ability to present groupviewable 3D media – without the need for headsets or special glasses as shown in Figure 17. Traditional glasseswearing 3D systems typically only accommodate a single viewer and rely on uncomfortable or cumbersome accessories like headsets or require precise head tracking, which can lead to discomfort over long periods of use. Looking Glass displays are designed to offer a highly comfortable and accessible experience, allowing multiple viewers to simply look at a display to experience real 3D content at the same time [ 66 ].
“ Looking Glass” display presents multiple images from various angles, creating the illusion for viewers that they are observing different observation angles of the same object. The“ Looking Glass” display generates between 45 and 100 distinct images. Its operating principle involves the use of a specialized glass screen that forms a polarized layer. At the same time, software developed by FXG Company enables the display to output multiple images simultaneously, allowing viewers to experience video content from various viewpoints, thereby achieving an effect similar to glasses-free holography. Furthermore, this device provides