ETH Zurich Develops Bidirectional Pixels That Record and Display Light

Researchers at ETH Zurich have invented a new pixel type, called Fourier pixels, that can both capture and display light, a first in pixel technology. Led by Professor David Norris of the Optical Materials Engineering Laboratory, the team published their findings in Nature on June 24, 2026. The pixels use surface waves and light interference to control and analyze light intensity, phase, and polarization. This breakthrough could lead to hybrid camera-display devices that combine both functions without a computer. The research has already led to a patent application and is a candidate for this year's Spark Award. The term 'pixel' was first used nearly 100 years ago in Wireless World.