Exclusive: Eyeo exits stealth to give cameras human-like colour vision
A Dutch startup called Eyeo has recently emerged from stealth with €15mn in funding to introduce a groundbreaking photonics technology for cameras. This innovative technology has the potential to significantly transform the way we capture images.
Eyeo, which originated from Belgium’s Imec, a prominent nanoelectronics center, has developed a waveguide colour-splitting technology. This optical technique utilizes minuscule structures to guide and separate light based on wavelength, thereby tripling the light sensitivity of current top-tier image sensors.
The sensors created by Eyeo have the capability to enhance the image quality of various types of cameras, ranging from DSLRs to those integrated into smartphones and virtual reality headsets. Particularly in low-light environments, these sensors enable the capture of brighter and clearer images. Moreover, this technology allows cameras to perceive colors in a manner similar to the human eye, resulting in unprecedented colour fidelity.
Revolutionizing Image Sensing
Jeroen Hoet, the CEO of Eyeo, has described the outcomes of this technology as setting a new standard for the future of imaging. Unlike conventional cameras that use color filters (small layers of red, green, and blue on each pixel) to create color images, Eyeo's approach involves splitting photons using waveguides. This innovative method directs each color of light precisely to the correct pixel, ensuring that all incoming light is captured by the sensor.
By eliminating the use of filters that obstruct light, Eyeo's technology enables sensors to have smaller pixels, some even smaller than half a micron (1/1000mm) in size. This advancement translates to a sensor that can process significantly more light, effectively doubling the resolution of a camera with a chip of the same size.
Potential Applications
The possibilities for applications are extensive. They range from ultra-slim smartphones boasting high-quality camera capabilities to smaller, higher-resolution AR and VR headsets. Additionally, security cameras could capture more dependable footage, and lightweight camera drones could benefit from this technology.
Eyeo has already formed partnerships with leading image sensor manufacturers and foundries to bring its technology to market. With the recent infusion of capital, the company is focused on refining its current camera sensor designs. Moreover, Eyeo plans to provide its first evaluation kits to customers within the next two years. These kits will enable potential customers to test and explore the technology before it enters mass production.
Imec's venture arm, Imec.xpand, was a key participant in the funding round alongside Invest-NL. Other contributors included QBIC fund, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF), and Brabant Development Agency (BOM).
