The future of augmented reality (AR) glasses and headsets is approaching at a remarkable pace. But have you ever wondered what enables these seemingly futuristic devices to seamlessly blend virtual worlds with reality? The answer lies at the core of their technology: the light engine. WaveOptics, a leader in light engine technology, is driving innovation in AR devices through advancements in industrial design, power efficiency, and immersive experiences.
The light engine serves as the central component enabling AR functionality in smart glasses and headsets. It primarily consists of a projector and a diffractive waveguide coupler. WaveOptics' light engine technology is built upon its proprietary waveguide or waveguide stack technology, which directly impacts device design and power efficiency—critical factors in developing high-performance AR equipment.
Rather than sourcing discrete components, WaveOptics recommends clients procure complete light engine modules to achieve superior efficiency and optical performance. This integrated solution optimizes optical path design, minimizes light loss, and ensures consistent image quality.
The projector serves as the light source, generating images through micro-displays such as Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS), Digital Light Processing (DLP), or Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED). It projects images onto the waveguide, where light undergoes internal reflection and diffraction before reaching the user's eyes.
This transparent optical component, typically made of glass or plastic, forms the core of the light engine. It directs and expands projected image light to cover a wider field of view. WaveOptics' waveguide technology employs diffractive gratings that precisely control light through nanostructures. Light propagates via total internal reflection (TIR) while specialized coatings enhance reflectivity and transmittance.
These microscopic structures on the waveguide facilitate light diffraction and coupling. WaveOptics utilizes nanoimprint lithography to manufacture high-precision gratings that optimize field of view, brightness, contrast, and color uniformity. Advanced grating designs enable higher light efficiency and superior image quality.
- High Efficiency: Advanced optical designs and manufacturing processes deliver greater light efficiency, reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
- Exceptional Optical Performance: Produces vivid, high-contrast images with uniform color distribution for superior visual experiences.
- Compact Form Factor: The streamlined design enables integration into lightweight, stylish AR glasses.
- Customizability: Parameters including field of view, brightness, contrast, and color can be tailored for specific applications.
- AR Smart Glasses: For gaming, entertainment, navigation, and information display, enabling virtual overlays on real-world views.
- AR Headsets: Industrial, medical, educational, and training applications benefit from wider fields of view and higher resolutions.
- Heads-Up Displays (HUDs): Automotive and aviation systems project critical information directly into operators' sightlines.
Key performance metrics include:
- Field of View (FoV): WaveOptics' Merlin engine delivers exceptionally wide FoV for immersive experiences.
- Brightness: High-efficiency designs maintain visibility in bright environments while balancing power consumption.
- Contrast Ratio: Optical thin-film technologies enhance differentiation between light and dark image areas.
- Resolution: Supports varying pixel densities for different use cases.
- Color Uniformity: Precision engineering ensures consistent coloration across displays.
WaveOptics offers multiple light engine configurations:
- Titan: The flagship solution adopted by major OEMs for enterprise AR applications.
- Merlin: Maximizes FoV while maintaining compact dimensions.
- Leopard: A concept device demonstrating lightweight, consumer-friendly AR glasses (non-commercial).
- Enhanced efficiency through advanced materials and designs
- Expanded fields of view for deeper immersion
- Higher resolution displays
- More compact form factors
- Cost reductions through manufacturing scale
WaveOptics continues to pioneer innovations that push the boundaries of AR technology, enabling more efficient, visually stunning, and immersive augmented reality experiences across industries.