Waveguides for Augmented Reality

Vacuum Coating Equipment & Technologies

Waveguides serve to guide the image produced by the optical engine (projector) directly to the user’s eye, while maintaining the lens itself as clear and transparent. Essentially, waveguides confine light — or in AR, an image — and channel it precisely where it’s needed.

Every waveguide includes an incoupling region to receive light and an outcoupling region to emit it. Typically, a micro-projector or micro-display generates the digital image and injects it into the waveguide. The light then propagates through the waveguide and reaches the eye, creating a virtual image that appears to float in mid-air.

Transparency and color neutrality are among the most important features of AR waveguides. Since users look through the waveguide to see the virtual image, it is essential to minimize obstruction of their natural field of view.

With our cutting-edge coating solutions, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology, we support you in manufacturing high-quality waveguides with exceptional performance.