WaveOptics: Difference between revisions - VR & AR Wiki - Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Wiki

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{{Company Infobox

|image=

|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="~~About2023~~"/~~> <!-- Changed from snap_subsid --~~>

|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="snap_subsid"/>

|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="industry2"/><ref name="industry3"/><ref name="industry4"/>

|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="industry2"/><ref name="industry3"/><ref name="industry4"/>

|Founded= {{Start date|2014}} <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founded_2014_2"/><ref name="founded_2014_3"/><ref name="founded_2014_4"/> (Development work began earlier, possibly 2012/2013 <ref name="octopus_2012"/>)

|Founded= {{Start date|2014}} <ref name="founded_2014_1"/><ref name="founded_2014_2"/><ref name="founded_2014_3"/><ref name="founded_2014_4"/> (Development work began earlier, possibly 2012/2013 <ref name="octopus_2012"/>)

|Founder= [[Sumanta Talukdar]], [[David Grey]], [[Salim Valera]] <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founders2"/> <~~!-- Removed~~ founders3 ~~ref --~~>

|Founder= [[Sumanta Talukdar]], [[David Grey]], [[Salim Valera]] <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="founders3"/>

|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom|UK]] <ref name="hq1"/><ref name="hq2"/>

|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/><ref name="ceo2"/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founders2"/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs"/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="~~founders2~~"/> [[Phil Greenhalgh]] ([[Chief technology officer|CTO]]) <ref name="cto_phil"/>

|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/><ref name="ceo2"/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs"/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> [[Phil Greenhalgh]] ([[Chief technology officer|CTO]]) <ref name="cto_phil"/>

|Products= [[Diffraction grating|Diffractive]] [[Waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] (Katana, Vulcan, Odin), [[Optical engine]]s (Merlin, Titan) for [[Augmented Reality|AR]] [[Smartglasses|smartglasses]] and headsets <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="products2"/><ref name="product_names"/> Projectors (e.g., Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/><ref name="loki_projector"/>

|Products= [[Diffraction grating|Diffractive]] [[Waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] (Katana, Vulcan, Odin), [[Optical engine]]s (Merlin, Titan) for [[Augmented Reality|AR]] [[Smartglasses|smartglasses]] and headsets <ref name="products1"/><ref name="products2"/><ref name="product_names"/> Projectors (e.g., Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/><ref name="loki_projector"/>

|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="parent2"/>

|Website= {{URL|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <ref name="website_official"/>

|Website= {{URL|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <ref name="website_official"/>

}}

{{see also|Companies}}

'''WaveOptics Limited''' is a British [[technology company]] specializing in the design and development of [[diffraction grating|diffractive]] [[waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] and [[optical engine]]s for [[Augmented Reality]] ([[AR]]) [[smartglasses]] and headsets. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="intro2"/> Founded in 2014 and headquartered in [[Oxfordshire]], UK, the company developed key optical components intended to enable lightweight, high-performance, and mass-market AR wearables. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="~~founded_2014_2~~"/><ref name="hq1"/><ref name="intro3"/> WaveOptics was acquired by [[Snap Inc.]] in May 2021 for over $500 million, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary and the primary supplier of displays for [[Spectacles (hardware)|Snap Spectacles]]. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="parent2"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> WaveOptics operates as a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Snap while continuing to serve other [[Original equipment manufacturer|original-equipment manufacturers]] (OEMs) with its patented waveguide technology.<ref name="Reuters2021"/><ref name="~~About2023~~"/>

'''WaveOptics Limited''' is a British [[technology company]] specializing in the design and development of [[diffraction grating|diffractive]] [[waveguide (optics)|waveguides]] and [[optical engine]]s for [[Augmented Reality]] ([[AR]]) [[smartglasses]] and headsets. <ref name="intro1"/><ref name="intro2"/> Founded in 2014 and headquartered in [[Oxfordshire]], UK, the company developed key optical components intended to enable lightweight, high-performance, and mass-market AR wearables. <ref name="intro1"/><ref name="founded_2014_1"/><ref name="hq1"/><ref name="intro3"/> WaveOptics was acquired by [[Snap Inc.]] in May 2021 for over $500 million, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary and the primary supplier of displays for [[Spectacles (hardware)|Snap Spectacles]]. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="parent2"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> WaveOptics operates as a wholly‑owned subsidiary of Snap while continuing to serve other [[Original equipment manufacturer|original-equipment manufacturers]] (OEMs) with its patented waveguide technology.<ref name="Reuters2021"/><ref name="snap_subsid"/>

== History ==

=== Founding and Early Development (2014–2017) ===

WaveOptics was founded in 2014 by Sumanta Talukdar, David Grey, and Salim Valera, who shared a background developing [[Head-up display|head-up displays]] ([[HUD]]) and [[Helmet-mounted display|head-mounted displays]] ([[HMD]]) in the [[defence industry]] at [[BAE Systems]]. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="founders_bae"/> They conceived a novel waveguide approach and filed their first patent for [[Exit pupil expansion]] (EPE) technology the same year. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> Some sources suggest initial development work started as early as 2012 or 2013. <ref name="octopus_2012"/>

WaveOptics was founded in 2014 by Sumanta Talukdar, David Grey, and Salim Valera, who shared a background developing [[Head-up display|head-up displays]] ([[HUD]]) and [[Helmet-mounted display|head-mounted displays]] ([[HMD]]) in the [[defence industry]] at [[BAE Systems]]. <ref name="founded_2014_1"/><ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="founders_bae"/> They conceived a novel waveguide approach and filed their first patent for [[Exit pupil expansion]] (EPE) technology the same year. <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="history_patent"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> Some sources suggest initial development work started as early as 2012 or 2013. <ref name="octopus_2012"/>

The company secured its first funding round in December 2015. <ref name="funding_rounds"/> In 2016, WaveOptics was a finalist at the [[Pitch@Palace]] event attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/~~> <!-- Changed from pitch_palace --~~>

The company secured its first funding round in December 2015. <ref name="funding_rounds"/> In 2016, WaveOptics was a finalist at the [[Pitch@Palace]] event attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II. <ref name="pitch_palace"/>

=== Series Funding and Growth (2017–2020) ===

In July 2017, WaveOptics raised $16 million (£12 million) in a Series B funding round involving investors such as [[Octopus Ventures]], [[IP Group]], Hostplus Touchstone (later Touchstone Innovations/Imperial Innovations), and [[Robert Bosch Venture Capital]] (RBVC), joined by new investor Gobi Partners. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="funding_investors"/> Later that year, David Hayes, formerly of [[DAQRI]] and 1066 Labs, was appointed as the new [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] to scale the business for mass manufacture. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="ceo1"/>

In July 2017, WaveOptics raised $16 million (£12 million) in a Series B funding round involving investors such as [[Octopus Ventures]], [[IP Group]], Hostplus Touchstone (later Touchstone Innovations/Imperial Innovations), and [[Robert Bosch Venture Capital]] (RBVC), joined by new investor Gobi Partners. <ref name="series_b"/><ref name="funding_investors"/> Later that year, David Hayes, formerly of [[DAQRI]] and 1066 Labs, was appointed as the new [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] to scale the business for mass manufacture. <ref name="series_b"/><ref name="ceo1"/><ref name="About2023"/>

The company continued to raise capital, closing a Series C round totalling $39 million (£30 million) by September 2019. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_2"/><ref name="Auganix2019"/> This round included existing investors and new backers like [[Goertek]], a key manufacturing partner, and Optimas Capital Partners. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_goertek"/> The funding was aimed at scaling up operations globally, particularly in [[Asia]] and the [[United States|US]], and establishing high-volume manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand from OEMs and [[Original design manufacturer|ODMs]]. <ref name="series_c_scale"/><ref name="funding_scale"/> WaveOptics opened offices in [[Los Angeles]] and [[Taipei]] and planned a new office in [[Beijing]]. <ref name="offices"/>

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== Technology ==

WaveOptics specializes in diffractive waveguides, a key optical component for transferring a projected image into the user's eye in an AR display system. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="tech_how1"/> Their technology employs volume holographic gratings fabricated via [[nanoimprint lithography]] and aims to produce AR displays with a large [[Eye box|eye-box]] (viewing window), wide [[Field of view|field of view]] (FOV), high optical efficiency, low chromatic dispersion, and full-colour, crisp images suitable for mass manufacture in slim eyewear form factors. <ref name="tech_how2"/><ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="Patent2019"/>

WaveOptics specializes in diffractive waveguides, a key optical component for transferring a projected image into the user's eye in an AR display system. <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="tech_how1"/> Their technology employs volume holographic gratings fabricated via [[nanoimprint lithography]] and aims to produce AR displays with a large [[Eye box|eye-box]] (viewing window), wide [[Field of view|field of view]] (FOV), high optical efficiency, low chromatic dispersion, and full-colour, crisp images suitable for mass manufacture in slim eyewear form factors. <ref name="tech_how2"/><ref name="tech_mass_manufacture"/><ref name="Patent2019"/>

Key aspects of their technology included:

*'''Diffractive Waveguides:''' Utilized [[nanotechnology|nanostructures]] patterned onto the surface of a glass or polymer waveguide to diffract light. <ref name="tech_diffractive1"/><ref name="tech_diffractive2"/>

*'''Exit Pupil Expansion (EPE):''' Employed patented techniques for expanding the exit pupil, allowing for a larger viewing area and accommodating variations in user [[Interpupillary distance|interpupillary distance]] and headset positioning. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> WaveOptics often highlighted its use of a two-dimensional EPE approach. <ref name="tech_2d_epe"/>

*'''Exit Pupil Expansion (EPE):''' Employed patented techniques for expanding the exit pupil, allowing for a larger viewing area and accommodating variations in user [[Interpupillary distance|interpupillary distance]] and headset positioning. <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="tech_epe"/><ref name="Patent2019"/> WaveOptics often highlighted its use of a two-dimensional EPE approach. <ref name="tech_2d_epe"/>

*'''Grating Design:''' Some patented designs utilize a three-grating structure, while other implementations reportedly used only two main diffraction regions (an input grating and a 2D output grating structure), potentially simplifying the design compared to some rival approaches. <ref name="Patent2019"/><ref name="tech_two_grating1"/><ref name="tech_two_grating2"/>

*'''Materials Partnership:''' Collaborated with major glass manufacturers like [[Corning Inc.]] and [[Schott AG]] to source ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers necessary for their waveguides. <ref name="tech_materials1"/><ref name="tech_materials2"/>

*'''Projector Integration:''' Designed optical engines comprising both the waveguide and a light projector, supporting various [[microdisplay]] projector types like [[Digital Micromirror Device|DMD]], [[Liquid crystal on silicon|LCoS]], and [[MicroLED]]. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/>

*'''Projector Integration:''' Designed optical engines comprising both the waveguide and a light projector, supporting various [[microdisplay]] projector types like [[Digital Micromirror Device|DMD]], [[Liquid crystal on silicon|LCoS]], and [[MicroLED]]. <ref name="tech_projectors"/>

== Products ==

WaveOptics developed and offered optical engines (combining a waveguide with a compatible projector) and standalone waveguide components. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/> Their key waveguide platforms include:

WaveOptics developed and offered optical engines (combining a waveguide with a compatible projector) and standalone waveguide components. <ref name="products1"/> Their key waveguide platforms include:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"

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! Model !! Plates !! FoV (diagonal) !! Thickness !! Weight !! Launch year !! Primary Use Case

|-

| '''Katana''' <ref name="Katana2020"/><ref name="katana2"/> || 1 || 28°–30° || 1.15 mm || 7 g || 2020 || Consumer notifications & navigation <ref name="~~Katana2020~~"/~~> <!-- Changed from katana_use_case --~~>

| '''Katana''' <ref name="Katana2020"/><ref name="katana1"/><ref name="katana2"/> || 1 || 28°–30° || 1.15 mm || 7 g || 2020 || Consumer notifications & navigation <ref name="katana_use_case"/>

|-

| '''Vulcan''' <ref name="Waveguides2024"/> || 2 || 40° || 3.1 mm || 12 g || ~2019 || Enterprise information overlay

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== Funding ==

Prior to its acquisition, WaveOptics had raised approximately $55-60 million across multiple funding rounds. <ref name="funding_rounds"/><ref name="CBInsights2024"/> Key rounds included:

* '''Series B (July 2017):''' $16 million (£12 million) from investors including Octopus Ventures, IP Group, Hostplus Touchstone, RBVC, and Gobi Partners. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/>

* '''Series B (July 2017):''' $16 million (£12 million) from investors including Octopus Ventures, IP Group, Hostplus Touchstone, RBVC, and Gobi Partners. <ref name="series_b"/>

* '''Series C (Dec 2018 - Sep 2019):''' $39 million (£30 million) raised in two tranches, led by existing investors and joined by Goertek and Optimas Capital Partners. <ref name="series_c_1"/><ref name="series_c_2"/><ref name="Auganix2019"/>

== Acquisition by Snap Inc. ==

On May 21, 2021, [[Snap Inc.]], the parent company of [[Snapchat]], announced its acquisition of WaveOptics for over $500 million. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="acq_date"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> The deal involved a combination of stock and potentially cash payments over two years. <ref name="acq_terms"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> At the time, it was reported as Snap's largest acquisition and a significant deal in the UK [[Deep tech|deep tech]] sector and the AR hardware space. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="acq_significance"/>

On May 21, 2021, [[Snap Inc.]], the parent company of [[Snapchat]], announced its acquisition of WaveOptics for over $500 million. <ref name="parent1"/><ref name="acq_value"/><ref name="acq_date"/><ref name="Verge2021"/> The deal involved a combination of stock and potentially cash payments over two years. <ref name="acq_terms"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> At the time, it was reported as Snap's largest acquisition and a significant deal in the UK [[Deep tech|deep tech]] sector and the AR hardware space. <ref name="snap_subsid"/><ref name="acq_significance"/>

WaveOptics' technology was already being used in Snap's 4th generation [[Spectacles (hardware)|Spectacles]] AR glasses, which were released to developers around the same time. <ref name="spectacles_tech1"/><ref name="spectacles_tech2"/> Snap CEO [[Evan Spiegel]] described the acquisition as a long-term investment in the future of Spectacles, highlighting WaveOptics' years of development in complex waveguide technology. <ref name="spiegel_quote"/>

Following the acquisition, WaveOptics became a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Snap, remaining headquartered in Oxfordshire. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="Tracxn2025"/> Snap indicated that WaveOptics would continue to operate and supply its technology to other external customers while also working closely with Snap's hardware division on custom AR optics. <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="acq_external_customers"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> The acquisition provided Snap with crucial in-house expertise and manufacturing capabilities for core AR display components as it competes with other major tech companies like [[Apple]], [[Meta Platforms]], and [[Google]] in the race to develop consumer AR glasses. <ref name="acq_strategy"/>

Following the acquisition, WaveOptics became a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Snap, remaining headquartered in Oxfordshire. <ref name="snap_subsid"/><ref name="Tracxn2025"/> Snap indicated that WaveOptics would continue to operate and supply its technology to other external customers while also working closely with Snap's hardware division on custom AR optics. <ref name="snap_subsid"/><ref name="acq_external_customers"/><ref name="Reuters2021"/> The acquisition provided Snap with crucial in-house expertise and manufacturing capabilities for core AR display components as it competes with other major tech companies like [[Apple]], [[Meta Platforms]], and [[Google]] in the race to develop consumer AR glasses. <ref name="acq_strategy"/>

== Notable Personnel ==

*'''[[Sumanta Talukdar]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founders2"/> (Served as initial CEO <ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo"/>)

*'''[[Sumanta Talukdar]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> (Served as initial CEO <ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo"/>)

*'''[[David Grey]]''': Co-Founder and Chief Scientist <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs"/>

*'''[[David Grey]]''': Co-Founder and Chief Scientist <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs"/>

*'''[[Salim Valera]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="~~founders2~~"/>

*'''[[Salim Valera]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/>

*'''[[David Hayes]]''': CEO (appointed 2017) <ref name="~~About2023~~"/><ref name="ceo1"/> Previously EVP at DAQRI Labs and CEO of 1066 Labs. <ref name="~~ceo1~~"/~~> <!-- Using ceo1 ref instead of dead ceo_background --~~>

*'''[[David Hayes]]''': CEO (appointed 2017) <ref name="series_b"/><ref name="ceo1"/> Previously EVP at DAQRI Labs and CEO of 1066 Labs. <ref name="ceo_background"/>

*'''[[Phil Greenhalgh]]''': CTO <ref name="cto_phil"/> Previously SVP Engineering at DAQRI and Co-Founder/CSO at 1066 Labs. <ref name="~~cto_phil~~"/~~> <!-- Using cto_phil ref instead of dead cto_background --~~>

*'''[[Phil Greenhalgh]]''': CTO <ref name="cto_phil"/> Previously SVP Engineering at DAQRI and Co-Founder/CSO at 1066 Labs. <ref name="cto_background"/>

*'''David Crosby''': Director of New Technology <~~!-- Removed dead~~ founders3 ~~ref --~~>

*'''David Crosby''': Director of New Technology <ref name="founders3"/>

*'''Richard Smith''': [[Chief operating officer|COO]] (appointment announced late 2020/early 2021) <ref name="coo_richard"/>

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* [[Waveguide (optics)]]

* [[Smart glasses]]

* [[Augmented reality displays]]

* [[Augmented reality displays]]

* [[Snap Inc.]]

* [[Head-up display]]

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== References ==

<ref name="~~About2023~~">{{cite web|title=About WaveOptics|url=https://waveoptics.ar/about/|publisher=WaveOptics|~~access-date~~=}}</ref>

<ref name="snap_subsid">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Proudly part of Snap Inc. WaveOptics is a wholly owned, independent subsidiary of Snap. We continue to support our external customers.}}</ref>

<ref name="industry1">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=We research, design and develop optical engines for augmented reality smartglasses and headsets.}}</ref>

<ref name="industry2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate= |quote=UK-based maker of augmented reality waveguides based on diffraction gratings to become part of Snap Inc... WaveOptics... makes optical waveguides for augmented reality (AR) hardware.}}</ref>

<ref name="industry3">{{cite web |url=https://www.endole.co.uk/company/08894247/wave-optics-limited |title=Wave Optics Limited - Company Profile |publisher=Endole |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics is a provider of optical engines for augmented reality (AR) eyewear, focusing on the design and manufacture of waveguides and projectors.}}</ref>

<ref name="industry4">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="industry4">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=}}  </ref>

<ref name="founded_2014_1">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=2014. Our Story: WaveOptics was Established.}}</ref>

<ref name="founded_2014_2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate= |quote=Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in 2014...}}</ref>

<ref name="founded_2014_3">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate= |quote=Founded by Sumanta Talukdar and David Grey in the year 2014.}}</ref>

<ref name="founded_2014_4">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate= |quote=Founded in 2014, WaveOptics...}}</ref>

<ref name="octopus_2012">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate= |quote=Meanwhile WaveOptics has been quietly developing its waveguide technology since 2012... We first met with the WaveOptics team in 2013...}}</ref>

<ref name="founders1">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Co-founders Salim Valera, David Grey and Sumanta Talukhdar share a vision to unlock the potential of AR wearables.}}</ref>

<ref name="founders2">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate= |quote=Sumanta Talukdar and his co-founders, David Grey and Salim Valera...}}</ref>

<ref name="founders3">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/team/ |title=Team - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Founded. Co-founded by David Grey, Salim Valera and Sumanta Talukdar.}}</ref>

<ref name="hq1">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate= |quote=Corporate Office · 141 Park Drive, Milton Park · Abingdon · Oxford OX14 4SR · England, United Kingdom.}}</ref>

<ref name="hq2">{{cite web |url=https://www.wilsonsonsini.com/insights/news-releases/wilson-sonsini-advises-waveoptics-on-acquisition-by-snap |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises WaveOptics on Acquisition by Snap |publisher=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=2021-05-24 |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics is headquartered in Oxford, England.}}</ref>

<ref name="ceo1">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics's CEO David Hayes, who arrived in 2017...}}</ref>

<ref name="ceo2">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate= |quote=David Hayes is the CEO of WaveOptics.}}</ref>

<ref name="personnel_grey_cs">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=}}</ref>

<ref name="personnel_grey_cs">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/ |title=Homepage - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=}}</ref>

<ref name="cto_phil">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/ar/waveoptics-and-luxexcel-create-prescription-ar-glasses/ |title=WaveOptics and Luxexcel Create Prescription AR Glasses |publisher=XR Today |date=2021-03-11 |accessdate= |quote=CTO of WaveOptics, Phil Greenhalgh went on to say...}}</ref>

<ref name="products1">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=We research, design and develop optical engines for augmented reality smartglasses and headsets... Optical engines comprise a waveguide and projector.}}</ref>

<ref name="products2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate= |quote=UK-based WaveOptics is a designer and manufacturer of diffractive waveguides – the key optical component in wearable AR devices, such as smart glasses.}}</ref>

<ref name="product_names">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/ |title=Waveguide models |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="product_names">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/ |title=Waveguide models |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="katana1">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/katana/ |title=Katana - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Katana is a one plate waveguide platform ranging between 28° – 30° field of view.}}</ref>

<ref name="katana2">{{cite web |url=https://www.photonicsonline.com/doc/waveoptics-unveils-its-katana-waveguide-design-for-augmented-reality-wearables-0001 |title=WaveOptics unveils its Katana waveguide design for Augmented Reality wearables |publisher=Photonics Online |date=2020-02-03 |accessdate= |quote=At 1.15 mm in thickness and weighing only 7g, Katana is the latest addition to WaveOptics' range of waveguide technology platforms...}}</ref>

<ref name="loki_projector">{{cite web |url=https://kguttag.com/2021/08/25/news-waveoptics-jade-bird-display-microled-partnership/ |title=News: WaveOptics & Jade Bird Display MicroLED Partnership |publisher=KGOnTech |date=2021-08-25 |accessdate= |quote=Leopard uses the Katana waveguide platform... It combines with Loki, the WaveOptics designed projector (incorporating JBD's uLED panel) weighing just 0.6 grams...}}</ref>

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<ref name="Reuters2021">{{cite news|title=Snap to buy augmented reality company WaveOptics for over $500 mln|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/snap-buy-augmented-reality-company-waveoptics-over-500-mln-2021-05-21/|publisher=Reuters|date=21 May 2021|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="founders_bae">{{cite web |url=https://octopusventures.com/news/how-waveoptics-was-acquired-by-a-global-tech-giant/ |title=How WaveOptics was acquired by a global tech giant |publisher=Octopus Ventures |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate= |quote=Prior to starting WaveOptics, they had been developing head-up displays (HMDs) and head-mounted displays (HUDs) in the defence industry at BAE Systems...}}</ref>

<ref name="history_patent">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/team/ |title=Team - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=First WaveOptics patent application filed for “Exit pupil expanding diffractive optical waveguiding device” – key to initial funding success.}}</ref>

<ref name="Patent2019">{{cite patent|title=Exit pupil expanding diffractive optical waveguiding device|number=US10359635B2|assignee=Wave Optics Ltd.|date=23 July 2019|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US10359635B2|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="funding_rounds">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics has raised a total funding of $54.9M over 4 rounds. Its first funding round was on Dec 14, 2015.}}</ref>

<ref name="pitch_palace">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=2016. Finalist at award attended by HM Queen Elizabeth II. In November our diffractive waveguide was recognised at the prestigious Pitch@Palace...}}</ref>

<ref name="series_b">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=In July Series B funding of $16m was secured... Later that year David Hayes was brought in as the new CEO...}}</ref>

<ref name="funding_investors">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate= |quote=Who are WaveOptics's investors? , Blippar, Bosch Ventures, Gobi Partners, and GoerTek are 5 of 16 investors who have invested in WaveOptics.}}</ref>

<ref name="About2023">{{cite web|title=About WaveOptics|url=https://waveoptics.ar/about/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="series_c_1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/10/9/18 |title=WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up |publisher=Optics.org |date=2019-09-11 |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics... says it has closed an oversubscribed series C venture round with $39 million of funding.}}</ref>

<ref name="series_c_2">{{cite web |url=https://tracxn.com/d/companies/waveoptics/__qYCUJt3h6ZL5-eTzQNDGW-SAzjNK9xa6sx3fHG7f1nE |title=WaveOptics - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors |publisher=Tracxn |accessdate= |quote=Its latest funding round was a Series C round on Sep 10, 2019 for $13M.}}</ref>

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<ref name="tech_how1">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate= |quote=What WaveOptics’ technology does is transfer the light waves from the light source and project them into the user’s eye.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_how2">{{cite web |url=https://www.eu-startups.com/2018/12/uk-based-waveoptics-raises-e23-million-series-c-to-expand-its-augmented-reality-tech-internationally/ |title=Augmented reality startup WaveOptics raises €23 million to expand internationally |publisher=EU-Startups |date=2018-12-11 |accessdate= |quote=The technology produces a large eye-box (or viewing window)... WaveOptics’ waveguides deliver crisp, undistorted text as well as stable imagery.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_mass_manufacture">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=We deliver superior optical performance for affordable mass manufacture.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_diffractive1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics has developed AR lenses and light projectors based around diffractive waveguides.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_diffractive2">{{cite web |url=https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2021/2021-06-10 |title=How WaveOptics became one of the biggest ever exits for a venture-backed “deeptech” start-up in Europe |publisher=IP Group plc |date=2021-06-10 |accessdate= |quote=This was done using a unique and novel approach of patterning microstructures onto the surface of the lens to efficiently redirect light into the eye.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_epe">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=They conceive of a novel waveguide approach and filed the first patent for exit pupil expansion technology.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_2d_epe">{{cite web |url=https://spie.org/news/snap-acquires-waveoptics |title=Snap Inc. to Acquire WaveOptics, Announces Updated Smart Glasses |publisher=Photonics Spectra |date=2021-05-24 |accessdate= |quote=This process is known as 2D pupil expansion and allows a small light engine to support a large eye box...}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_two_grating1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate= |quote=By using only two distinct diffraction regions - an input grating... and an output structure consisting of a 2D array of nanostructures - the WaveOptics approach shrinks the overall weight and size of AR glasses.}}</ref>

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<ref name="tech_materials1">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/12/5/40 |title=WaveOptics snapped up in $500M deal |publisher=Optics.org |date=2021-05-25 |accessdate= |quote=In the development of those components, WaveOptics has collaborated closely with major glass firms Corning and Schott, who produce the high-index glass material on which the company's AR waveguides are based.}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_materials2">{{cite web |url=https://optics.org/news/10/9/18 |title=WaveOptics eyes production ramp with $13M top-up |publisher=Optics.org |date=2019-09-11 |accessdate= |quote=Another key relationship is that with US glass giant Corning. In December 2018 the two companies agreed a long-term deal for Corning to supply WaveOptics with the ultra-flat, high-index glass wafers...}}</ref>

<ref name="Waveguides2024">{{cite web|title=Waveguide models|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="tech_projectors">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/about/ |title=About - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=The waveguides are paired with projectors for maximum design flexibility and image quality and these are DMD, LCoS or MicroLED based.}}</ref>

<ref name="Waveguides2024">{{cite web|title=Waveguide models|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="Katana2020">{{cite web|title=Katana waveguide|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/katana/|publisher=WaveOptics|date=3 February 2020|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="katana_use_case">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/katana/ |title=Katana - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Who is Katana ideal for? Light weight, low cost, low power, smart glasses design. What is a suitable use case? Simple notification and communication applications for example.}}</ref>

<ref name="Odin2024">{{cite web|title=Odin waveguide|url=https://waveoptics.ar/waveguides/odin/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="Saturn2024">{{cite web|title=Saturn 2 projector specifications|url=https://waveoptics.ar/projectors/saturn2/|publisher=WaveOptics|access-date=}}</ref>

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<ref name="Plessey2020">{{cite news|title=Plessey and WaveOptics partner on micro‑LED display technology|url=https://www.semiconductor-today.com/news_items/2020/feb/plessey-050220.shtml|publisher=Semiconductor Today|date=5 February 2020|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="Goertek2018">{{cite press release|title=WaveOptics and Goertek sign exclusive manufacturing partnership|url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-and-goertek-sign-exclusive-waveguide-manufacturing-partnership-agreement/|publisher=WaveOptics|date=28 November 2018|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="evgroup">{{cite web|url=https://www.evgroup.com/company/news/detail/waveoptics-collaborates-with-ev-group-to-drive-augmented-reality-ar-manufacturing-at-scale-1556352836|title=WaveOptics collaborates with EV Group to drive augmented reality (AR) manufacturing at scale|publisher=EV Group|date=2019-04-29|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="evgroup">{{cite web|url=https://www.evgroup.com/company/news/detail/waveoptics-collaborates-with-ev-group-to-drive-augmented-reality-ar-manufacturing-at-scale-1556352836|title=WaveOptics collaborates with EV Group to drive augmented reality (AR) manufacturing at scale|publisher=EV Group|date=2019-04-29|accessdate=}}</ref>

<ref name="CBInsights2024">{{cite web|title=WaveOptics funding & valuation|url=https://www.cbinsights.com/company/waveoptics/financials|publisher=CB Insights|access-date=}}</ref>

<ref name="acq_date">{{cite web |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/107080-05 |title=WaveOptics 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Investors, Acquisition |publisher=PitchBook |accessdate= |quote=WaveOptics was acquired on 21-May-2021.}}</ref>

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<ref name="acq_external_customers">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/snap-buys-waveoptics-ar-display-acquisition-500m/ |title=Snap Acquires AR Display Startup WaveOptics for Over $500M |publisher=Road to VR |date=2021-05-21 |accessdate= |quote=A Snap spokesperson confirmed that WaveOptics will both continue operations to supply other companies with its tech whilst working with Snap on custom AR optics.}}</ref>

<ref name="acq_strategy">{{cite web |url=https://www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2021/05/27/waveguides-augmented-reality-display-tech-key-ars-future |title=Waveguides, an augmented reality display tech, are key to AR's future |publisher=Emerging Tech Brew |date=2021-05-27 |accessdate= |quote=Snapping up the supplier strengthens the social media company's skunkworks search for superiority in smart glasses... Most AR-curious or -devoted companies see mastery of waveguides as essential to eventual mass-manufacturing of mainstream hardware.}}</ref>

<ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-co-founders-recognised-by-shift-100/ |title=WaveOptics Co-Founders recognised by Shift 100 - WaveOptics |date=2017-06-20 |accessdate= |quote=Sumanta Talukdar, CEO and Co-Founder...}}</ref>

<ref name="personnel_sumanta_ceo">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.ar/media/waveoptics-co-founders-recognised-by-shift-100/ |title=WaveOptics Co-Founders recognised by Shift 100 - WaveOptics |date=2017-06-20 |accessdate= |quote=Sumanta Talukdar, CEO and Co-Founder...}}</ref>

<ref name="ceo_background">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/team/ |title=Team - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Prior to joining WaveOptics David was the executive vice president of DAQRI Labs... Prior to DAQRI, David was the CEO of 1066 Labs...}}</ref>

<ref name="cto_background">{{cite web |url=https://waveoptics.com/team/ |title=Team - WaveOptics |publisher=WaveOptics |accessdate= |quote=Prior to CTO at WaveOptics, Phil was SVP Engineering at DAQRI and Co-Founder & Chief Science Officer at 1066 Labs.}}</ref>

<ref name="coo_richard">{{cite web |url=https://www.ipgroupplc.com/media/portfolio-news/2020/2020-12-02 |title=WaveOptics Appoints Richard Smith as Chief Operating Officer |publisher=IP Group plc |date=2020-12-02 |accessdate=}}</ref>

</references>

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[[Category:Technology companies acquired in 2021]]

[[Category:Display technology companies]]

~~[[Category:Defunct manufacturing companies of the United Kingdom]]~~