Wolfspeed announces transparent SiC tech
SiC specialist Wolfspeed has announced the commercial introduction of its proprietary transparent SiC (TSiC) technology, which it says expands the potential of SiC to next-generation augmented reality (AR), quantum computing and advanced optical applications.
The optical-grade TSiC substrates are said to e engineered for low optical absorption and wafer flatness. SiC’s high refractive index, low birefringence, hardness and thermal conductivity make it a promising material for next-generation AR waveguides, supporting wider fields of view, improved image quality and more compact wearable devices.
Apart from AR, Wolfspeed says that TSiC technology offers significant potential in quantum computing, with the ability to host quantum bits (qubits), preserve their quantum states and transmit quantum information through light—all within a single SiC crystal. Unlike many alternative materials, SiC can support all these functions.
“Wolfspeed’s leadership in SiC innovation extends well beyond traditional semiconductor applications,” said Katrin Feurle, VP, Beyond Power at Wolfspeed. “Our proprietary TSiC technology and extensive intellectual property portfolio position us to help enable breakthroughs in augmented reality, quantum computing and other emerging markets, reinforcing the versatility and transformative potential of SiC.”
"For years, the dream of truly immersive, all-day augmented reality glasses has run up against the hard limits of optical materials — you simply couldn't get a wide field of view, high image quality, and a lightweight, wearable form factor all at once," said Barry Silverstein, a display systems and optics industry expert at the University of Rochester and former CTO and senior director of optics and display products at Meta Reality Labs.
"SiC changes that equation. Its exceptionally high refractive index lets a single-layer waveguide do the work that previously took stacked optics, which is the kind of step-change the industry needs to move AR from a novelty into everyday eyewear. Wolfspeed's work on optical-grade TSiC technology is exactly the type of materials innovation that can finally unlock that potential.”
