Collaboration enables independent supply chain for mass production of AR wearables
Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), the world’s leading supplier of high refractive index glass for eyewear, and WaveOptics, a leading designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides for use in augmented reality (AR) wearables, will conduct private demonstrations of wearable AR displays Jan. 8-11 at CES 2019 in Las Vegas.
WaveOptics’ wearable AR displays will feature Corning’s high-refractive index glass, which is specially designed for AR waveguides. This ultra-flat glass enables a wide field of view and crisp images, which are important for an immersive experience.
Corning and WaveOptics recently signed a long-term supply agreement in which Corning provides high-index glass wafers for WaveOptics’ waveguides.
It is one of several recent collaborations announced by WaveOptics – including one with original design manufacturer, Goertek, and nano-imprint lithography equipment maker, EV Group.
“We have been working hard to lower the bill of materials for high-quality AR devices. Working with WaveOptics to assemble a global supply chain that will dramatically simplify access to high-quality augmented reality is a major part of that effort,” said David Velasquez, division vice president and general manager of Corning Precision Glass Solutions. “Corning is excited to work with WaveOptics and our joint partners to help enable the growth of such a young, dynamic industry.”
David Hayes, WaveOptics CEO, commented:
“At CES 2019, we will demonstrate the high-quality AR optical performance of our waveguides using Corning’s ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers. This follows the recent news that Corning and WaveOptics signed a long-term supply agreement for supply of glass wafers for our AR optics.
“The combination of our waveguide technology and Corning’s high-index glass will be a key enabler of immersive AR, where image quality is vital to driving mass adoption.”
WaveOptics’ waveguides are designed with superior optical performance and mass manufacturing in mind. The patented waveguide technology allows the creation of a large viewing window in which to experience AR, providing immersive experiences for industrial, enterprise, and consumer applications.
Corning has experience delivering mass-production quantities of the largest, ultra-flat, high-index glass substrates for leading augmented reality device makers. Corning Augmented Reality Solutions are one of several products in Corning’s portfolio of Precision Glass Solutions that leverage the company’s precision optics and forming capabilities to address the emerging need for glass across microelectronics.
Corning provides augmented reality designers and OEMs with a one-stop shop for world-class capabilities including proprietary glass and ceramic manufacturing platforms, finishing processes, bonding technologies, best-in-class metrology, automated laser glass-cutting, and optical design expertise.
Those wishing to view the private demonstrations of wearable AR displays should contact Kaitlin Cutler, cutlerk@corning.com; or Suzie Smith, s.smith@enhancedworld.com
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about Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a more than 165-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries.
Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, and life sciences vessels. Corning's industry-leading products include damage-resistant cover glass for mobile devices; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for state-of-the-art communications networks; trusted products to accelerate drug discovery and delivery; and clean-air technologies for cars and trucks.
about WaveOptics
WaveOptics is the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides, the key optical component in wearable augmented reality (AR) devices.
AR wearables, such as smart glasses, enable users to see computer-generated images overlaid on top of the real world. There are two key elements that allow these images to be seen – a light source such as a minute projector and a means of transferring the image from the projector into the user’s eyes.
WaveOptics’ waveguide technology transfers the light waves from the light source and projects them into the user’s eye. The technology produces a large eye-box, binocular viewing and a high field of view. The eye-box (the viewing window) is the size of the AR display from which the full image is visible. WaveOptics’ waveguides deliver crisp, undistorted text as well as stable imagery.
WaveOptics technology is designed to be used for immersive AR experiences in Industrial, enterprise and consumer markets. The Company aims for its waveguides to be the core optical component used in all AR wearable devices, driven by its unique technology and expertise, which enable unparalleled manufacturing scalability and visual performance as well as versatility for numerous applications.
