Applied Materials and GlobalFoundries partner on photonics for AR glasses
Applied Materials plans to develop waveguide components to be manufactured at a new facility at GF Singapore, advancing the development of photonics for next-generation AI applications that require efficient, lightweight optical systems
Applied Materials and GlobalFoundries have announced a collaboration to establish a new waveguide fabrication facility at GF Singapore. The companies aim to accelerate the current, AI-driven surge in photonics innovation and adoption.
According to Applied Materials and GF, their partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of photonics as a foundational technology for next-generation AI applications, including augmented reality (AR) and human-centric digital experiences that require ultra-efficient, lightweight and high-performance optical systems. Applied Materials plans to leverage its semiconductor expertise to develop waveguide components with GF as its high-volume manufacturing partner in Singapore.
“Photonics is rapidly becoming a critical enabler of augmented reality glasses that put humans at the centre of the AI experience, and Applied Materials is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation,” said Paul Meissner, vice president and general manager of Applied Materials’ photonics platforms business in the office of the CTO. “The collaboration with GlobalFoundries allows Applied to extend our leadership in materials engineering and deliver highly integrated display technologies.”
Yew Kong Tan, senior vice president and general manager of APAC manufacturing and the Singapore site at GF, commented: “GlobalFoundries is proud to partner with Applied Materials to advance photonics innovation in Singapore. By combining our global semiconductor manufacturing expertise with Applied’s cutting-edge materials engineering, we’re delivering innovative technology solutions that will drive and scale adoption of next generation devices.”
