AGC’s high-refractive index glass substrates possess all the essential characteristics required for wide field-of-view and image clarity in next-generation displays, such as AR/MR glasses and HUDs.
Next-generation high-refractive-index glass for a wide field of view and clear visuals
For AR/MR glasses and head-up displays, the key challenge is achieving a wide field of view and high resolution within a limited space. AGC’s high-refractive-index glass combines the high refractive index and ultra-flatness required to meet this challenge.
Its high transmittance and excellent surface smoothness minimize optical losses, ensuring bright images and accurate color reproduction. In addition, its high reliability, designed for long-term use, supports stable performance in next-generation devices.
AGC also supports small-lot prototyping from the research and development stage, enabling seamless support from initial design through mass production.
Product lineup
This product range covers refractive indices from 1.80 to 2.10, enabling optimal optical design tailored to each application. All types offer high transmittance and excellent optical homogeneity, meeting stringent quality control standards such as TTV and surface roughness.
Substrate sizes are available from 6 to 12 inches, with thicknesses of 0.3 mm or greater. In addition, optical coatings such as AR coatings can be customized. The lineup flexibly supports everything from small-lot prototyping at the R&D stage to full-scale mass production.
High Refractive Index Glass Properties M100 Series
| Type | M110 | M120 | M135 | M150 | M160 | M200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive Index | 1.80 | 1.90 | 1.95 | 2.00 | 2.04 | 2.10 |
| Internal Transmittance@460nm(10mm) | ≧99% | ≧97% | ≧96% | ≧97% | ≧97% | ≧97% |
| Abbeʼs Number | 47 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 18 |
| Size | 6/8/12inch* | |||||
| Notch / Orientation Flat | Available | |||||
| Thickness | ≧0.3mm | |||||
| TTV | Normal Grade: ≦0.5μm / Fine Grade: ≦0.2μm | |||||
| Surface Roughness | <0.5nm | |||||
| Scratch/Dig | 40/20** | |||||
| Anti Reflection Coating*** | Available | |||||
- *Depends on glass type
- **MIL-PRF-13830B
- ***Also available for other optical coating and can be customized.
For coatings other than AR coating, please contact us.
Product features
Wide field of view enabled by high refractive index
Our high-refractive-index glass (n > 1.7) expands the critical angle for total internal reflection, enabling a significantly wider field of view compared with conventional materials. This greatly enhances immersion in AR glasses and head-up displays.
By achieving a level of field-of-view expansion that is unattainable with standard optical glass, this material provides greater design flexibility for next-generation devices.
Clear image propagation enabled by high transmittance and optical quality
With an internal transmittance of over 95%, combined with high-precision processing that achieves TTV ≤ 0.5 µm and surface roughness ≤ 0.5 nm, optical losses during light guiding are minimized. This maximises image brightness, color reproduction, and resolution.
Compared with other materials, its superior optical homogeneity enables the clear, distortion-free visual experience required for AR/MR devices.
Applications of high-refractive-index glass
Light guide plates (waveguides) for AR/MR
High-refractive-index glass is ideally suited for use as light guide plates (waveguides), which are essential components in AR/MR devices. Its high refractive index enables a wide field of view, while high transmittance and excellent flatness maintain image brightness and clarity.
In addition, its highly reliable material properties ensure stable performance even over long-term use, supporting the next generation of immersive visual experiences.
Light guide plates for automotive head-up displays
High-refractive-index glass meets the demanding requirements for high visibility and durability in automotive head-up displays. Its high refractive index helps achieve a wide projection area, while high transmittance and excellent surface smoothness deliver sharp, clear images.
In addition, superior heat and moisture resistance ensures stable long-term performance, even in harsh in-vehicle environments, supporting a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
FAQ on purchase of high-refractive-index glass
Q:Can I purchase small quantities for prototyping and evaluation?
Yes. We support projects from R&D stage through mass production. Minimum order quantities and shape specifications are flexible, so we recommend starting with sample work or evaluation testing.
Q:Can you accommodate custom shapes or special sizes?
Yes. We can work with you from the design stage, including glass thickness, shape, and surface treatments such as coatings. We also support special specifications, particularly for AR/MR light guide plates and optical components for HUDs.
Related information
Development of high-refractive-index glass wafers for AR/MR glasses
This paper reports on the development of high-refractive-index glass wafers (M100) optimized for AR/MR glasses. Through innovations in composition design and melting technology, the wafers achieve high transparency and light weight while maintaining excellent optical performance.
“M100/200 Series” recognized in the XR category of the CES 2025 Innovation Awards®
AGC’s M100/200 Series was recognized in the XR category of the CES 2025 Innovation Awards®. The series was highly evaluated as a next-generation optical material that significantly enhances the field of view, image clarity, and image accuracy of AR/MR glasses, thanks to its transparency, refractive index, and uniform surface quality.
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