Presentation Abstract

Immersive 3D is experiencing a renaissance, highlighted by the recent launch of mass-market products from Samsung, Acer, ZTE, Lenovo, and others. In this talk, I will review the underlying display architectures that have enabled this transition, comparing Leia’s earlier diffractive lightfield backlight (DLB) approach with our current front-face switchable LC cell technology. I will discuss key trade-offs in optical efficiency, form factor, cost, color fidelity, and temporal modulation, as well as the growing importance of software—particularly calibration, lens defect compensation, and predictive eye tracking. The presentation will share practical insights gained from bringing immersive 3D systems from research into large-scale production.

David Fattal – Co-Founder and CTO of Leia Inc.

David Fattal is Co-Founder and CTO of Leia Inc., where he leads the development of immersive 3D display technology for personal devices, spanning optical hardware, calibration, and real-time software. At Leia, he has driven the transition from early lightfield-based architectures to today’s switchable LC cell approach, and has overseen the launch of commercial immersive 3D products with partners including Samsung, Acer, and ZTE. He also spearheaded the creation of Immersity AI, Leia’s 2D-to-3D conversion platform, now used by millions of users worldwide.

Prior to founding Leia, David spent nearly a decade at HP Labs working on quantum computing and nanophotonics. His research there led to the invention of diffractive lightfield backlighting, a foundational technology for early immersive 3D displays and the basis of Leia’s first-generation products.

David holds a PhD in Physics from Stanford University and a BS from École Polytechnique. He is an inventor on over 200 patents, co-authored the textbook Single Photon Devices and Applications, and is a recipient of the French National Order of Merit. In 2024, he was named a finalist for the European Inventor Award for his contributions to immersive 3D display technology.