Corning Precision Glass Solutions Announces High Index Glass Wafers in 300-millimeter Diameter Size for Augmented Reality Devices

Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW), the world’s leading supplier of high refractive index glass for eyewear, announced today that the company has developed 300-millimeter diameter glass wafers in select refractive indexes optimized for augmented reality (AR) device makers. These wafers offer the largest available size of high refractive index glass on the market today. Similar to the semiconductor industry, larger wafers are expected to reduce customers’ manufacturing costs.

Corning’s ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers are used to make waveguides, a key optical component in AR wearables. Larger-sized wafers enable lower cost for customers through a combination of material and equipment utilization improvements, which in turn support customers’ efforts to make AR wearables more affordable for consumer applications.

“Corning has traditionally supplied 300-millimeter glass wafers optimized for the semiconductor industry. We are proud to bring the same capabilities to AR customers by offering the largest form factors of high refractive index glasses on the market,” said David Velasquez, general manager of Corning Precision Glass Solutions. “These advancements in our glass-making capabilities enable customers to create immersive, high-quality AR experiences at price points that will facilitate wider adoption of AR technology.”

Corning has already shipped hundreds of thousands of high-index glass wafers to date, and the company was first to market supplying this high-precision material to Tier 1 consumer device makers. Corning plans to ramp production volumes of its new 300-millimeter diameter wafers throughout the year.

Corning will showcase its high-index glass portfolio for AR next week at the Society for Information Display’s (SID) Display Week in San Jose, California, from May 14-16. Along with its glass wafers, Corning will feature:

• Supporting technologies enabling mass production of AR wearables, including industry-leading flatness metrology and automated laser glass-cutting systems
• A prototype AR device made by WaveOptics, a leading designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides

Corning invites media and potential customers to visit booth #1119 to learn more.

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About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a more than 165-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries.

Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, and life sciences vessels. Corning's industry-leading products include damage-resistant cover glass for mobile devices; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for state-of-the-art communications networks; trusted products to accelerate drug discovery and delivery; and clean-air technologies for cars and trucks.

09.05.2019, CORNING