Mitsui Chemicals is pushing the boundaries of augmented reality (AR) technology with its latest innovation: Diffrar polymer wafers designed for waveguides in AR glasses.

The company has now developed the world's first optical polymer wafers in a 12-inch size with refractive indices of 1.67 and 1.74, marking a major step toward expanding the AR and virtual reality (VR) markets.

“Equipped with outstanding optical properties, including a high refractive index of 1.67 or higher and extreme flatness, Diffrar optical polymer wafers offer users of AR glasses a wider Field of View (FOV),” Mitsui Chemicals said.

The proprietary polymer also provides greater impact resistance, making devices safer and lighter than glass, “thereby enabling users to wear them comfortably for extended periods of time,” the company added.

The Diffrar wafers are available in 1.67 and 1.74 refractive indices, with 6-inch (sample testing), 8-inch (200mm), and 12-inch (300mm) sizes, giving AR optical designers more options and streamlining manufacturing processes.