Microvision Invests in Gemfire, Eyes Rear-Projection Monitor Market

Microvision, Inc. toward furthering the development of its laser scanning projection display technology, virtual retinal display (VRD) manufacturer <%=company%> (Bothell, WA) has taken a stake in the recent private placement of Gemfire Corp. (Palo Alto, CA), joining investors such as Eastman Kodak (Rochester, NY), Ricoh, Intel, and venture capital firms Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers and Mohr Davidow Ventures.

Gemfire develops high-intensity lasers using planar processing techniques for volume production. Microvision expects to tap the technology to produce direct-view, rear-projection displays, as well as a wide VRD-based head-mounted displays. According to Microvision vice-president of business development Todd McIntyre, the company is targeting larger-format projection units, perhaps in the 22-in. to 30-in. range.

Microvision has previously demonstrated laser-scanning projection, but has not released details on when it might demonstrate a system utilizing Gemfire's laser technology.

Edited by Kristin Lewotsky