Silicon Carbide Optical Waveguides Accelerate: Paving the Way for AR Glass

Introduction

The optical waveguide technology is undergoing a significant transformation, moving from traditional glass - based materials to high - performance silicon carbide - based ones. This technological shift marks a major step forward in providing lighter, clearer, and more immersive AR experiences.

Technical Innovations

• ** Silicon Carbide - Based Waveguides**:Meta's Orion AR glasses lead the industry in adopting silicon carbide etched waveguides. The high refractive index of silicon carbide (over 2.4) allows for larger optical fields - of - view and superior display performance compared to traditional glass - based waveguides (with refractive indices of 1.6 - 2.0). This advancement is crucial for creating AR devices in the form factor of regular glasses.

• ** Etching Process**: The etching process has gained prominence as a method for creating micromachined waveguide structures. It offers several advantages over traditional nanoimprint lithography, including higher refractive indices, improved field - of - view, and better compatibility with semiconductor manufacturing processes.

China's Industry Chain

• Upstream Substrate Materials: Chinese companies like TianYue Advanced and Jingsheng Machinery have made significant progress in providing high - quality semi - insulating silicon carbide substrates.

• Manufacturing Process: Chinese companies have made breakthroughs in silicon carbide waveguide manufacturing, mastering the etching process and gaining the technical capability to produce high - performance AR glasses waveguides.

Market and Collaboration

• Market Growth: The global shipment of AR/AI glasses is expected to reach 130 million units annually by 2030, with the industry chain evolving into a trillion - yuan - scale strategic emerging industry.

• Industrial Collaboration: Chinese companies are forming strategic alliances to accelerate technological innovation. For example, XREAL, Longji Technology, Jingsheng Machinery, and Kunyu Photonics have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to create a robust industry alliance for AI/AR development.

Future Outlook

• Product Launches: Major Chinese manufacturers are expected to release consumer - level products with silicon carbide etched waveguides in the next 1 - 2 years.

• Market Expansion: The development of silicon carbide and etching technologies will enhance the user experience of AR glasses, driving their expansion from professional to consumer markets.

In conclusion, silicon carbide optical waveguides are poised to revolutionize the AR glasses market, with Chinese companies well - positioned to lead through innovation and collaboration.