With an expected surge in AR glasses coming in 2026, system integrators are actively sourcing waveguides. While reflective geometric and polymer-core waveguides are an option as well, we will confine our discussion to the three types listed below.  

• Type 1 NIL – Polymer and inorganic nanoparticle composites (DigiLens, Dispelix, Morphotonics, SCIL, Rainbow, others)
• Type 2 NIL – All-inorganic high-index nanoparticle formulations (Myrias Optics)
• Type 3 Etch – Direct substrate etching (Applied Materials, Dispelix + Eulitha)

Part 1 of this white paper series examines the manufacturing processes of theses three approaches to make glass-based waveguides for AR glasses. Currently, the industry is focused on developing next-generation glasses with refractive index glass in the 2.0 to 2.2 range. But longer term, there is a clear desire to move up to 2.6 to support wide field-of-view glasses with great image quality and mass produced at scale.   While Part 1 details the manufacturing approaches, Part 2 will examine the optical performance and manufacturing costs of these three options along with roadmap expecations.