Laser cutting for separating waveguides for AR devices

The increasing standardization of AR devices based on waveguides has brought attention to the importance of designing and ensuring the durability of waveguides. While ultrashort pulsed lasers hold promise for achieving precise and strong free-form cutting at scale, optimizing the laser process parameters and material compositions of high-index glasses remains a challenge in achieving optimal glass strength. To address this challenge, we have partnered with a reputable producer of specialized glasses to develop a separation process that prioritizes high and predictable bending strength. This process has been integrated into a modular machine concept, allowing for scalability from lab to mass production. Our presentation offers an overview of this fully automated machine solution designed for cost-effective free-form cutting of high-index glass used in AR waveguides. It highlights the thoughtful considerations behind the development and demonstrates how our various process, handling, and quality inspection modules offer high flexibility and scalability.