Scottish technology provider Ceres Holographics and materials supplier Covestro have partnered to commercialize Bayfol HX photopolymer polycarbonate (PC) films for transparent automotive display applications. Ceres Holographics uses them to create specialty solutions with custom holographic optical elements (HOEs) designed to enable a new generation of transparent display applications for automobiles and commercial vehicles. The new partnership represents the next stage in what has already been a long-standing cooperation between the two companies.

Bayfol HX film from Covestro is a transparent, thin film featuring a light-sensitive, self-developing photopolymer. It is ideal for the reproducible production of efficient volume holograms. Throughout their collaboration to date, the two partners have customized the film to meet the specific requirements of this application.

This transparent display solution enables new line-of-sight applications in automobiles and commercial vehicles that provide drivers, passengers, and pedestrians with a safer and more pleasant experience on the road than before while still achieving the quality, price levels, and production volumes demanded by automotive OEMs.

“Ceres Holographics has been testing how to harness the unique properties of our Bayfol HX film for holographic transparent display applications for years, and has produced outstanding results,” said Yuen-Ling Lok, Head of Commercial Operations, Holographic LightGuiding at Covestro. “We intend to continue working with our partner in the emerging supply chain to commercialize this film in the mobility segment. The project is yet another example of how customers are increasingly asking for specialized solutions. We are happy to support them in this journey.”

“Our partnership with Covestro has enabled us to respond to the strong demand for cost-effective and easy-to-implement transparent display solutions in the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors,” said Andy Travers, CEO, Ceres Holographics. “We specialize in the design, mastering, and reproduction of thin-film HOEs. Our digitally-mastered HOEs feature full color and a wide vision field, yielding precision-engineered optical performance and functionality in windscreens and windows at prices that the market demands.”

Ceres' holographic transparent display technology has already been successfully demonstrated in OEM prototypes, enabling full-color display of information on front, side, and rear car windows.

Founded in 2009, in St. Andrews, Scotland, Ceres Holographics uses its proprietary technology to design, digitally master, and replicate next-generation HOEs for new transparent display and augmented reality heads-up display systems. With extensive knowledge of the Covestro Bayfol HX photopolymer film and in-house expertise in photonics and light-guiding, Ceres works with partners and customers to deliver optical systems with precision-engineered, thin-film HOEs enabling mass-market applications in automotive, transportation, aerospace, and wearable technology.