Optics for AR/VR/MR

Avantier Inc. is a premier producer of optics for AR/VR/MR: augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality. The global market for AR, VR, and MR optics and displays is rapidly growing, with optical design and manufacturing playing a crucial role in its success.

In virtual reality (VR), the real world is replaced by a new 3D digital environment. Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital content onto the real world, while mixed reality (MR) contains superimposed digital content that interacts to some degree with the real world. Optical products for AR/VR/MR are designed to minimize chromatic aberration and ensure a consistent exit pupil for clear visuals. They account for the characteristics of human eyes and often incorporate eye tracking technology to enhance user experience and maintain precise visual alignment.

The Role of Optics in AR/VR/MR

While the roles of telecommunications, computer coding, and graphics design in AR, VR, and MR are well recognized, it is the optics that truly lie at the heart of successful spatial reality experiences. The quality of these optics can make or break AR/VR/MR devices.

When using AR, VR, or MR, a viewer perceives the real world through specialized optics that enhance or alter their experience. If these optics cause issues such as God Rays, the Rainbow Effect, or vergence-accommodation conflicts, the user experience will suffer, potentially discouraging users from engaging with virtual reality. Additionally, a heavy, bulky headset can detract from the VR experience. However, advances in optical metrology are enabling the design of imaging systems that effectively mitigate these issues.

Optical elements are the cornerstone of immersive experiences delivered by VR and AR headsets. Our precision optics enable the seamless fusion of digital and physical worlds.

VR Headsets: Our lenses and optical assemblies create captivating virtual realities. By precisely controlling light, we enable a wide fov, exceptional image quality, and minimal distortion, delivering an unparalleled immersive experience.
AR Headsets: Our waveguides and beamsplitters are at the heart of the magic, seamlessly merging digital content with the real world. Our lenses then focus the generated image for optimal clarity and user comfort.

Together, our optical solutions power the next generation of human-computer interaction.

Fresnel Lenses

In VR optics, Fresnel lenses are commonly used, particularly in higher-end models. These lenses are essential for achieving a lightweight head-mounted display, where minimizing eye-position-dependent distortion is crucial. Such distortions can lead to motion sickness, making their elimination a top priority for enhancing user experience.

Unlike the basic lenses traditionally found in viewfinders, a Fresnel lens is crafted from optical plastics with concentric rings precisely carved into its surface. These lenses feature a large aperture and a short focal length. The engraved rings divide the lens into concentric sections, creating a series of surfaces with identical curvature, separated by discontinuities. This design causes light to bend differently depending on which part of the lens it passes through.

At Avantier, we produce high-quality Fresnel lenses through injection molding. By carefully managing spatial frequencies, we minimize stray light and optimize optical performance. We can collaborate with you to design the ideal lens for your specific application.

AR/VR/MR Optics at Avantier

A Fresnel lens is just one example of the critical optics we produce at Avantier for virtual reality. Our state-of-the-art factory and innovative design team enable us to manufacture a wide range of AR/VR/MR optics, including AR/MR micro-displays and VR micro-displays. Whether you need freeform optics, lenses, prisms, beamsplitters, or mirrors, we have the capability to produce what you need for your application.

Whatever your display type, we are ready to partner with you, providing the optical design and components required to give your viewers an optimal experience. Let us help you break boundaries and lead the way into the future. Contact us for a tailored quote and discover how our optical solutions can elevate your AR/VR/MR device.