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High Refractive Index Wafer for AR & MR Waveguide Industry Research
In recent years, displays that "virtually enhance" the world in front of you by superimposing virtual visual information on real scenes have been developed, and wearable displays called "AR/MR glasses" for AR (Augmented Reality) and MR (Mixed Reality) displays have attracted increasing attention. As the next generation of electronic devices after smartphones, the market for these AR/MR glasses is expected to continue to expand. MR is mixed reality technology, a hybrid of VR and AR, which combines the real world with the virtual world to create a new environment where elements of the two worlds can coexist and interact. If what you see in VR is fake, then what you see in AR is both real and fake, and you can tell the difference. And MR not only sees both real and fake, but can also be indistinguishable from the real thing. High Refractive Index Wafer is commonly used in MR devices such as Varjo XR, Quest3/Pro, and Pico 4 Ultra.
High Refractive Index Wafer is a core component of optical waveguide technology in augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) devices. It improves device display effects and user experience by optimizing optical performance and physical properties.
In terms of the refractive index of common materials, ordinary resin is about 1.51, high refractive index resin is about 1.74; ordinary glass is about 1.5, high refractive index glass is about 1.9. SiC material can reach more than 2.6. In the optical waveguide structure, the higher the refractive index of the base material, the larger the field of view FOV of the AR lens.
AR/MR headsets (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap, Apple Vision Pro) rely on waveguide combiners to project digital images into the user’s field of view. High-index wafers (n > 1.8) enable thinner, lighter, and more efficient waveguides with wider field-of-view (FoV) and better image clarity. Growth in enterprise (training, healthcare) and consumer AR (gaming, smart glasses) drives demand.
In recent years, there has been significant development in displays that overlay virtual information onto real-world scenery, enabling the virtual expansion of the immediate environment. One notable device in this category is the glasses-type device known as "AR/MR glasses", which supports the display of Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) content. These AR/MR glasses have attracted considerable attention and are expected to expand in the market as the next-generation device following smartphones.
Augmented Reality (AR) displays join virtual images with real-world content to create new possibilities for human and machine interactions. Such displays rely on diffractive, or reflective waveguides, combine the virtual content with the ambient images seen through the AR lenses. For next-generation AR displays, diffractive waveguides with Surface Relief Gratings (SRG) on high refractive index substrates are now considered an essential enabling technology.
According to the new market research report “High Refractive Index Wafer for AR/MR Waveguide - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031”, published by QYResearch, the global High Refractive Index Wafer for AR & MR Waveguide market size is projected to reach USD 450 million by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period.
Figure00001. Global High Refractive Index Wafer for AR & MR Waveguide Market Size (US$ Million), 2020-2031
Source: QYResearch, "High Refractive Index Wafer for AR/MR Waveguide - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031”
Figure00002. Global High Refractive Index Wafer for AR & MR Waveguide Top 7 Players Ranking and Market Share (Ranking is based on the revenue of 2024, continually updated)
Source: QYResearch, "High Refractive Index Wafer for AR/MR Waveguide - Global Market Share and Ranking, Overall Sales and Demand Forecast 2025-2031”
According to QYResearch Top Players Research Center, the global key manufacturers of High Refractive Index Wafer for AR & MR Waveguide include Hoya, Corning, etc. In 2024, the global top three players had a share approximately 58.0% in terms of revenue.
In terms of product type, currently Glass Wafer is the largest segment, hold a share of 92.2%.
In terms of product application, currently 300mm (12 inch) is the largest segment, hold a share of 75.7%.
About The Authors
Jingyi He, a senior industry analyst, 5 years of employment, has solid industry research experience and solid data analysis capabilities. Familiar with various industry policies and market trends, and can develop effective market strategies for customers.
Email: rosy@qyresearch.com
Tel: +86-13691347948
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