Waveguide technology is a pivotal element in the evolution of AR glasses. It enables lightweight, compact designs while delivering high-quality visuals. These optical systems efficiently direct light, seamlessly overlaying virtual images onto the real world without adding bulk to the device. However, mass manufacturing of waveguide glasses presents significant challenges, including the need for superior material quality, precise fabrication, and cost-efficiency, while also addressing issues of scalability, consistent yield rates, and integration with other components.
At the AR/VR Display Summit 2024, organized by Counterpoint Research and DSCC in Silicon Valley, US, on October 1, Flora Tang, a Senior Analyst at Counterpoint Research, had an insightful conversation with Satoshi Shiraga, the CEO and Founder of Cellid, a nanotechnology and AI-driven startup specializing in optical modules and SLAM technology for AR glasses, to explore Cellid’s roadmap for its waveguide products.
The Interview
Key takeaways from the discussion
Since its founding in 2016, Cellid has been committed to advancing AR-related technologies, accumulating nearly a decade of experience in the industry. Initially focused on AR software development, Cellid has evolved into a company offering both hardware (optical modules consisting of waveguide and micro projector) and software (proprietary SLAM technologies that can perform spatial recognitions), aiming to address key bottlenecks in AR glass products.
As for waveguides, Cellid focuses on developing the Diffractive Optical Element (DOE)/Surface Relief Grating (SRG) waveguide technology due to its advantages in performance and manufacturing. It also provides flexibility in display resolution, a relatively wide field of view, reduced chromatic aberration, and customization options for various applications, making it ideal for high-quality AR experiences.
Cellid has developed polychromatic waveguide modules based on two primary substrates –plastic and glass. The plastic substrate-based waveguide module offers the advantages of lightweight design (2.2 g without cover), brightness efficiency (1,400 nits/lm) and thinness (0.8 mm without cover), making it well-suited for information-display AR smart glasses. Meanwhile, the glass substrate-based waveguide module provides benefits in field of view (diagonal FoV up to 60°) and thinness (0.9 mm without cover), making it an ideal choice for AR smart glasses used for spatial computing applications.
The advantages of Cellid’s products and services include the use of in-house optical simulation tools to optimize waveguide design, materials and coatings. Key benefits of Cellid’s proprietary technologies include 2D pupil expansion with unique, easy-to-process grating structures, advanced optical coatings to enhance uniformity and efficiency, a wider field of view with sufficient eye-box size, and reduced issues with ghosting, color and brightness variations.
Cellid’s products are compatible with both LCOS and MicroLED displays. They will initially launch with the more established LCOS light engine, transitioning to MicroLED as the technology matures.
Nano Imprint Lithography will be the key manufacturing technology, with Cellid planning to begin the Engineering Verification Test (EVT) for its waveguide modules in 2024 and commence mass production in the first half of 2025.
Analyst takeaways:
According to Counterpoint’s AR/VR Model Sales Tracker, waveguide-based products represented approximately 17% of global AR smart glass shipments in H1 2024, highlighting the significant potential for future growth.
Tracking the development milestones of key players in the waveguide technology ecosystem, particularly those focused on lower-cost, high-efficiency waveguide products, will be crucial for understanding the future growth trajectory of the market.
Cellid’s innovative approach to waveguide technology reflects a strong commitment to advancing AR display solutions. Through in-house optical simulation tools, Cellid optimizes waveguide designs to enhance light efficiency and uniformity and reduce optical issues such as ghosting and color variation. Offering both glass and plastic substrate-based waveguide products, Cellid demonstrates flexibility to meet diverse market demands.
These advancements position Cellid as a promising player in the AR ecosystem, well-aligned to support the industry’s shift toward highly functional, consumer-ready AR glasses.
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