We take a hands-on approach to augmented reality development. We design and prototype advanced AR systems while manufacturing one of the most critical components of the stack: the waveguide. This focus allows us to push the boundaries of optics and system design, delivering breakthrough technologies ready to scale with partners.
Where it all begins
We start with raw glass wafers and substrates. Our proprietary processes allow us to refine and shape these materials into high-performance waveguides with exceptional accuracy and consistency.
We’ve also serialized our production, enabling full traceability across each wafer’s lifecycle and helping ensure the highest quality. This lets us detect and resolve potential issues early, even tracing failures back to the wafer’s origin. Our analysis methods are non-destructive, so we can investigate problems without disrupting the component itself.
Working in sync, no matter where we work
Collaboration fuels our innovation. Our research, development, and manufacturing teams work closely together, through ongoing coordination.
Our team designs and builds custom tools and equipment tailored to waveguide production. This in-house capability allows us to identify and address challenges early, ensuring high precision and quality. While waveguide manufacturing remains our core focus, our production infrastructure also supports the development of functional prototypes enabling us to carry concepts forward when needed to help partners accelerate final product design.
Making the machines that make our optics
We engineer and build our own patented machines and software to drive them, including the LithoFlex350, designed specifically for AR waveguide manufacturing.
Magic Leap pioneered the use of inkjet-based imprint lithography (JFIL) for AR waveguides. This breakthrough set new industry standards for quality, yield, and cost efficiency. While others have tried to replicate this method, our proprietary approach continues to lead in both effectiveness and performance.
Better testing, better user experience
Seamless AR requires tight integration across optics, hardware, and software. That’s why we emphasize rigorous testing and fast iteration. Our teams collaborate to find efficiencies through software innovations, simulations, and rapid prototyping cycles.
Because we control waveguide manufacturing and much of the design process, we can apply feedback quickly and make changes in real time. Our internal metrology equipment enables fast, high-quality testing that accelerates development.
Proprietary design tools also help us model real-world performance and refine prototypes with speed and precision.
Going deep on failure analysis
At the nano scale, even microscopic flaws can affect performance. Our failure analysis lab uses advanced instrumentation, including electron microscopes and medical-grade metrology tools, to identify the tiniest inconsistencies.
This allows us to solve critical issues like fogging or vignetting and continue pushing the limits of AR optics.
Adapting AR optics with precision and speed
Thanks to our tightly connected development and production workflows, we can adapt quickly to meet different field of view and cost targets for waveguides.
Today, we have the capacity to mass-produce hundreds of thousands of AR eyepieces annually. These include our thinnest waveguides to date, supporting a wide range of FOV options.
Our proprietary technologies and processes, combined with in-house expertise and tooling, allow us to explore, validate, and prototype new AR systems.
Learn more about our manufacturing practices.