Meta Waveguide Provider Claims “world’s first” 70° FoV Waveguide

The Battle for the Wider Field-of-View: Lumus Claims 'World's First' 70° FoV Waveguide

The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in the development of augmented reality (AR) glasses, with Meta's Orion prototype showcasing a 70° field-of-view (FOV) in a remarkably small form-factor. This achievement was made possible by the use of unique waveguide optics made with silicon carbide, a novel material that enabled the wider FOV thanks to its greater refractive index. However, the manufacturing challenges associated with silicon carbide waveguides have been a major hurdle for mass production.

Fast forward to 2025, and Meta acknowledged the difficulties in manufacturing silicon carbide waveguides affordably at scale. While progress was being made, the company conceded that the work is ongoing. "We've successfully shown that silicon carbide can flex across electronics and photonics. It's a material that could have future applications in quantum computing. And we're seeing signs that it's possible to significantly reduce the cost. There's a lot of work left to be done, but the potential upside here is huge," the company said at the time.

Lumus Takes the Stage with a 70° FoV Waveguide

This week at CES 2026, Lumus, the company that developed the waveguide optics used in Meta's Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, announced that it has achieved a 70° field-of-view in its glass waveguides. The company claims it's the "world's first geometric waveguide to surpass a 70° FOV." The new ZOE waveguide is made with the same process as Lumus' other glass waveguides, which have already been proven to be manufactured at scale.

A Match Made in Heaven?

It's not a coincidence that Lumus has been aiming for a 70° field-of-view, which just happens to match what Meta achieved with its Orion prototype. Most likely, the company was tasked (implicitly or maybe even directly) with doing exactly that—proving that its waveguides could reach the 70° benchmark without using silicon carbide. This achievement could potentially give Lumus an edge in the AR glasses market, as it would provide a more affordable and scalable solution for manufacturers.

The Trade-Offs of a Wider FOV

While a wider FOV is a significant advantage, it's not without its trade-offs. Increased field-of-view can impact brightness, pixel density (PPD), and various visual artifacts. Without being able to see the new ZOE optic for myself, it's hard to say whether or not Lumus has something truly new here, or if they've simply boosted field-of-view by trading other downsides. I expect I'll have a chance to see the ZOE optic later this year at AWE 2026, where I usually meet with Lumus to see their latest developments.

Implications and Future Directions

The implications of Lumus' achievement are significant, as it could potentially give Meta and other AR glasses manufacturers a more affordable and scalable solution for wider FOV optics. This could lead to a new wave of AR glasses with improved field-of-view, brightness, and overall user experience. However, it's essential to note that the development of AR glasses is a complex process, and there are many factors that contribute to the final product. The trade-offs associated with a wider FOV must be carefully considered, and manufacturers must balance these factors to create a product that meets the needs of consumers.

Conclusion

Lumus' achievement of a 70° field-of-view in its glass waveguides is a significant milestone in the development of AR glasses. While there are trade-offs associated with a wider FOV, the potential benefits are substantial. As the AR glasses market continues to evolve, it's essential to consider the implications of this achievement and how it will shape the future of AR technology. With Lumus' ZOE waveguide, we may see a new generation of AR glasses that offer improved field-of-view, brightness, and overall user experience. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the battle for the wider field-of-view has just gotten a lot more interesting.

Source: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-waveguide-provider-lumus-zoe-70-degree-field-of-view/