In optics, inorganic coatings such as TiO2, ZrO2, HfO2, La2O3, and Ta2O5 surpass their organic or hybrid counterparts in terms of performance. They have the highest refractive index and remain unaffected by environmental degradation issues like yellowing. However, existing methods for creating inorganic coatings are limited to two approaches. The first involves costly and time-consuming techniques like physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The second approach, sol-gel synthesis, necessitates high temperatures that are incompatible with many substrates, resulting in rough surfaces and cracked samples. Phosio has introduced a platform technology for producing inorganic coatings with tunable refractive indices (ranging from n=1.30 to n=2.35). These coatings possess atomic smoothness and require minimal processing temperatures as low as 150°C. Furthermore, these materials can be cured with UV light and are compatible with nanoimprint lithography, all while maintaining environmental stability. In this manuscript, we share our journey to the process of achieving increased film thickness while ensuring the absence of cracks.
Improving the efficiency and performance of Augmented Reality (AR) headsets is a key technical challenge for enhancing user experiences and catalyzing AR market growth. Current AR headsets are bulky and present a limited field of view (FOV), compromised image quality, and short battery life. In principle, high-refractive-index optical components could be integrated to create next-generation headsets with form factors that simultaneously deliver improved performance. Glass manufacturers have recently announced the availability of new, high-index substrates (n = 2.0+) to assist the technical development of these advanced devices. The materials required to manufacture high-index structures on these substrates, however, are not commercially available. Phosio Corporation has recently developed new solution-based, UV-curable inorganic coatings with customizable indexes (n = 1.6 – 2.35) and non-yellowing low absorbance across the visible spectrum. The formulations are compatible with incumbent imprinting tools, enabling waveguide fabrication on high-index glass. Consequently, Phosio’s technology provides a unique path to elevating FOV and image quality beyond current state-of-the-art AR headsets.
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