Mitsui Chemicals Unveils 12-inch High-Refractive Polymer Wafers for AR Glasses
Mitsui Chemicals has introduced Diffrar polymer wafers, the world's first 12-inch optical polymer wafers with high refractive indices (1.67 and 1.74), designed for AR glasses. These wafers offer outstanding optical properties, including a wider Field of View for users, and provide greater impact resistance, making devices safer and lighter than traditional glass. This innovation enables comfortable extended wear and is a significant advancement for expanding the AR and VR markets.
Mitsui Chemicals is pushing augmented reality (AR) technology forward with its new Diffrar polymer wafers, specifically engineered for waveguides in AR glasses. The company has achieved a significant milestone by developing the world's first optical polymer wafers in a 12-inch size, featuring impressive refractive indices of 1.67 and 1.74. These wafers boast exceptional optical properties, including high refractive index and extreme flatness, which are crucial for delivering an expanded Field of View (FOV) to users of AR glasses. Beyond superior visual performance, the proprietary polymer also enhances device safety by providing greater impact resistance, making AR devices more robust than those using glass. Furthermore, the lightweight nature of the Diffrar wafers contributes to devices that are more comfortable to wear for extended periods. Available in 6-inch (sample testing), 8-inch (200mm), and 12-inch (300mm) sizes, these wafers give AR optical designers greater flexibility and simplify manufacturing processes. This development marks a major stride towards accelerating the growth and adoption of both AR and virtual reality (VR) technologies.
