Researchers at Australia's Swinburn University of Technology designed a graphene-based technique to create a 3D pop-up floating display. The scientists created nanoscale pixels of refractive index (the measure of the bending of light as it passes through a medium) made of reduced graphene oxide in a process that does not involve heat, which they say is important for the subsequent recording of the individual pixels for holograms and naked-eye 3D viewing.
The team explains that by changing the refractive index, it is possible to create many optical effects. This new technique can be leveraged to achieve compact and versatile optical components for controlling light and can create the wide-angle display necessary for mobile phones and tablets. The scientists believe that this new generation digital holographic 3D display technology could also have applications for military devices, entertainment, remote education, and medical diagnosis as well as lay foundation for future flexible and wearable display devices and transform them for 3D display.