The limitations of two-dimensional (2D) displays in representing the depth of the three-dimensional (3D) world have prompted researchers to explore alternatives that offer a more immersive experience. Volumetric displays (VDs), which generate 3D images using volumetric pixels (voxels), represent a breakthrough in this pursuit.

Unlike virtual reality or stereoscopic displays, VDs deliver a natural visual experience without requiring head-mounted devices or complex visual tricks. Among these, laser-based VDs stand out for their vivid colors, high contrast ratios, and wide color gamut. However, the commercial viability of such systems has been hindered by challenges such as low resolution, ghost voxels, and the absence of tunable, full-color emission in a single material.

To address these limitations, researchers from Yildiz Technical University, led by Miray Çelikbilek Ersundu, and Ali Erçin Ersundu, have developed innovative RE³⁺-doped monolithic glasses (RE = Ho, Tm, Nd, Yb) capable of tunable full-color emission under near-infrared (NIR) laser excitation.