LG Innotek, in collaboration with Korea University, has developed a breakthrough vehicle lighting technology capable of emitting intense light in any desired direction with high precision. This innovation is designed to meet the growing trend among global automakers to diversify vehicle lighting designs for brand differentiation.
By applying metasurface technology--a next-generation optical solution--the team achieved brightness three times stronger than conventional systems. LG Innotek plans to target global automakers by further refining this technology.
Since last year, LG Innotek and Korea University have focused on developing nano-structure-based metasurface technology specifically for LG's “Nexlide” lighting series.
Nexlide is LG Innotek's proprietary surface-lighting solution, known for its ultra-slim profile and uniform light distribution. The addition of metasurface tech takes it to the next level:
The Science: Nano-sized structures--roughly 1/100,000th the thickness of a human hair--are attached to the lighting in film form.
The Result: These structures precisely refract and concentrate light in specific directions. For instance, a 40-candela (cd) light source can be boosted to 140 cd using this metasurface application.
As lighting becomes a signature design element for automakers, the ability to maintain peak brightness regardless of the lamp's shape has become critical. Major markets like Europe and the U.S. have strict safety regulations requiring front and rear lights to be at their brightest in the direction of travel to ensure signals are easily recognized.
With this new technology, LG Innotek addresses these regulations while offering unprecedented design freedom. Automakers can now experiment with complex, curved designs without worrying about dim spots or failing to meet brightness standards.
LG Innotek is currently in the process of registering patents for this technology. The company recently held a demonstration event with Korea University to showcase the results of their academic-industrial cooperation.
“This technology allows us to concentrate light even in areas with sharp curves where shadows typically form,” said an LG Innotek official. “We intend to capture the market by satisfying both legal brightness requirements and aesthetic design needs simultaneously.”
