Recently, AAC Technologies’ Surface Relief Grating (SRG) diffractive optical waveguide lenses have successfully passed performance and reliability tests from several top-tier global end customers, securing mass production nominations. Some projects have already entered the volume ramp-up and delivery phase. Based on customer demand forecasts, large-scale mass production and shipments are expected to commence in the second half of 2026.
To strengthen its ecosystem, AAC Technologies is collaborating with its subsidiary Dispelix—a leader in diffractive optical waveguides—and top global OEMs to co-develop next-generation AR display modules. Leveraging years of in-house R&D and global technology integration, AAC Technologies has built end-to-end mass production capabilities spanning design, wafer fabrication, and testing. This is driving the maturation and commercial delivery of the global supply chain for core consumer-grade AR waveguides.
01 Industry’s Commercialization Pivot: Optical Waveguides Emerge as the Preferred Solution
As AI technology matures, edge AI hardware is poised for explosive growth. AI smart glasses, as pivotal AI devices, are entering a phase of mass consumer adoption, marking a commercial inflection point for the display-enabled AR glasses industry. Industry data reveals that global shipments of consumer-grade AR glasses have grown by over 70% YoY in the past two years. The industry is expected to see a wave of explosive growth between 2027 and 2030. As the core optical component, the optical waveguide display module determines the form factor, visual performance, and comfort of AR glasses. It remains the primary bottleneck for mass adoption, making optical waveguide products a critical, high-demand segment for the AR glasses industry’s growth.
Compared to traditional solutions, optical waveguide technology offers three core advantages: ultra-thin design, high transparency, and HD imaging. These effectively address industrialization pain points, making optical waveguides the optimal path for large-scale consumer AR deployment. Leading global technology companies have adopted optical waveguides as the preferred optical solution for next-generation AR smart glasses, signaling a new era of commercial advancement in AR optics.
02 Dual-Track Iteration: Building a Full-Scenario Product Portfolio
AAC Technologies’ proprietary single-layer full-color SRG diffractive optical waveguide is manufactured using semiconductor-grade DUV lithography and etching. Its performance ranks among the best in the industry. With a single-lens thickness of just 0.7 mm and a weight of 4 g, these products are over 50% lighter than traditional glass optical waveguides of the same specifications, perfectly matching the slim form factor of standard eyewear. The ambient light transmittance exceeds 90%, offering a see-through effect comparable to prescription lenses and solving pain points like dimness, rainbow artifacts, and light leakage. The standard version of the lens features a 25° field of view (FOV) and peak luminous efficiency over 4,000 nits/lm, ideal for daily AI interaction scenarios.
The premium, high-refractive-index, and low-density silicon carbide (SiC) substrate solution achieves an ultra-wide 52° FOV and effectively mitigates common industry issues like rainbow artifacts. With a color deviation (Δu’v’) under 0.02, it provides sharp, uniform imaging and accurate color reproduction. This solution seamlessly blends real-world vision with virtual content, addressing key challenges for high-end AR glasses—lightweight design, aesthetics, and all-day wearability—while meeting advanced immersive display needs.
The company has established a mature dual-track product strategy covering both entry-level and flagship markets. This creates a comprehensive optical waveguide portfolio spanning all price points and use cases.
03 Full-Scale Acceleration: Breakthroughs in Mass Production, Customers, and Capacity
By integrating the core technologies of its subsidiary Dispelix, AAC Technologies has established a full-process system covering grating algorithm simulation, wafer fabrication, precision coating, automated testing and measurement, and high-precision module assembly. This creates a complete, closed-loop mass production framework for the optical waveguide industry.
On the manufacturing side, AAC Technologies has completed the setup and validation of its dedicated optical waveguide mass production line. Utilizing a proprietary semiconductor-grade lithography and etching system, this line stands apart from the nanoimprint lithography (NIL) processes currently used for low-end market demands, offering significant advantages in process precision, imaging performance, product reliability, and mass production consistency. The production line currently maintains a stable mass production yield of over 80%, significantly higher than the industry average of 50%. The process maturity fully meets commercial delivery standards.
In terms of capacity and delivery, the production line has achieved stable monthly shipments, effectively supporting customer demand ramp-ups and volume requirements. With a planned annual capacity of one million units and ample room for expansion, the facility provides a solid foundation for large-scale shipments by 2027. Additionally, the company has established an efficient customized sampling system with lead times significantly shorter than those of major overseas suppliers. This helps brands accelerate R&D and iteration cycles for new products, serving as a core competitive advantage.
Tao Hongyan, head of the XR Business Unit at AAC Technologies, stated that the mass production of optical waveguide lenses marks a milestone breakthrough for the company as it deepens its commitment to the AR optics sector. AAC Technologies provides one-stop full-stack solutions for core optics, acoustics, and sensing in AI/AR glasses, effectively meeting the vertical integration needs of customers during device development. As the AI/AR glasses market gains momentum, AAC Technologies will leverage its precision manufacturing expertise and global technical footprint to empower global brands with stable mass production and mature solutions, accelerating the adoption of smart glasses for everyday wear.