Wolfspeed is introducing transparent silicon carbide (TSiC) technology, a material capable of hosting qubits, preserving quantum states and transmitting quantum information as light within a single crystal. Building on 35 years of silicon carbide innovation and expertise in high-purity wafer manufacturing, the company aims to advance augmented reality and quantum computing with this new capability, Wolfspeed says. “Wolfspeed’s leadership in silicon carbide innovation extends beyond traditional semiconductor applications,” said Katrin Feurle, Vice President, Beyond Power at Wolfspeed, adding that the technology promises wider fields of view, improved image quality, and more compact wearable AR devices.
TSiC Substrates Enable Augmented Reality Waveguides
Silicon carbide’s high refractive index allows single-layer AR waveguides to achieve performance previously requiring stacked optics, a critical advancement for widespread adoption of augmented reality eyewear. Barry Silverstein of the University of Rochester explains that silicon carbide changes the current approach, as these substrates are engineered for minimal optical absorption and exceptional wafer flatness, qualities essential for precise light manipulation within AR waveguides. The company is currently advancing its 200 millimeter TSiC substrates while simultaneously developing 300 millimeter technology to meet anticipated future demands, demonstrating a commitment to scaling production.
For years, the dream of truly immersive, all-day augmented reality glasses has run up against the hard limits of optical materials – you simply couldn’t get a wide field of view, high image quality, and a lightweight, wearable form factor all at once.
Barry Silverstein, a display systems and optics industry expert at the University of Rochester and former Chief Technology Officer and Senior Director of Optics and Display Products at Meta Reality Labs
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