Waveguides
Our industry-leading waveguide technology delivers precise digital content overlayed on top of the physical world.
The heart of the optics stack
Protected between two ultra-thin lenses, the waveguide is a transparent display that controls light in such a way that we can overlay digital content on top of the physical world. We have the technology, experience, and intellectual property to flex device field-of-view from 20° to 70°.
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed innovative ways to design thinner, more efficient, and powerful waveguide solutions. Our patented nano-imprint process has resulted in lighter waveguides with outstanding visual comfort and versatility.
Magic Leap designs advanced waveguide optics compatible with all major light engine architectures, including LCoS, micro-LED, and laser-illuminated light engines, without locking our partners into a single approach.
Waveguide Innovation
Custom design and development
We use high-performance materials and custom machinery to develop industry-leading waveguides.
From ideation and rigorous testing to finalized prototypes, our design process is focused on human comfort, wearability, and scalability.
Our proprietary Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography (J-FIL) and Lithoflex processes deliver waveguides with greater performance and value that are adaptable to partner product specifications. We offer various field-of-view configurations and can engage with partners on customized approaches to align performance with specific product objectives.
Waveguide Design
Simulation-Driven Design
Our engineers use custom optical simulation tools to shape waveguide development and refine performance across field-of-view (FOV), brightness and image fidelity.
Prototyping
In-house master design, sub-master creation and imprinting enable faster iteration cycles, reducing time between concept, build, and evaluation.
Material Science Expertise
We tailor high-index materials and resins to optical, mechanical, and process constraints to unlock wider FOVs, thinner optics, and scalable nanoscale patterning.
Human-Centered Metrics
Vision science guides our approach as we optimize for clarity, uniformity, and long-term visual comfort.
Field-of-View
We have the technology, experience, and intellectual property to flex device FOV from 20° to 70°, depending on the form factor.
Our advanced optics technologies and eyepiece designs enable precise content placement so users have the best experience, with minimal distraction and visual fatigue.
Production-Ready
Our proprietary Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography (J-FIL) unlocks single-step patterning with precise depth gradation to deliver scalable, high-yield manufacturing for waveguides. Unlike conventional lithography and multi-cycle 2D etching, J-FIL creates complex 3D structures in one step, combining speed with precision. With cross-disciplinary expertise spanning fabrication, materials, and process engineering, we streamline production without sacrificing optical precision.
Manufacturing Insights
Single-Step Imprinting
Our proprietary J-FIL process imprints complex nanoscale features and gradation patterns in one step.
Production-Grade Materials
We co-develop imprint materials to balance optical clarity, durability, and manufacturability.
Metrology and Testing
Our expert technicians use integrated test and inspection tools to validate pattern accuracy, optical performance, and yield across wafers.
Manufacturing at Scale
We help partners scale from samples and pilot runs to production all while delivering cost-efficient, high-performance optics for next-gen AR.
Speed and Precision
Proprietary waveguide processes, powerful results
Backed by our proprietary Lithoflex platform and benchmarked by our TRUE KPI system: Transmission, Reflectivity, Uniformity, Efficiency, this process sets the standard for scalable, high-quality optics manufacturing.
TRUE KPIs
Transmission
Transmission measures how much light passes through the lenses from the physical world. The better the value, the crisper and brighter the world looks.
Reflectivity
Custom coatings counteract high-index reflections, giving our lenses a natural look from the outside. The coatings improve user comfort and increase social acceptance.
Uniformity
Carefully engineered waveguide structures ensure our displays are bright with consistent color. Virtual content looks vivid and smooth even as users change environments.
Efficiency
Engineered for performance, our waveguides deliver vivid AR content while optimizing power use — balancing brightness with extended battery life.
Waveguide Offerings
Our waveguide samples are available in a variety of field-of-view options to support diverse use cases.
Connect with us at care@magicleap.com to learn more about our waveguides.