WaveOptics - Revision history

Xinreality: Text replacement - "e.g.," to "for example"

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Text replacement - "e.g.," to "for example"

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	\|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames\|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom\|UK]]		\|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames\|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom\|UK]]
	\|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer\|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist\|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> <br/> [[Phil Greenhalgh]] ([[Chief technology officer\|CTO]]) <ref name="cto_phil"/>		\|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer\|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist\|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> <br/> [[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="products1"/><ref name="product_names"/> <br/> Projectors (~~e.g.,~~ Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/>		\|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="product_names"/> <br/> Projectors (for example Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/>
	\|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent2"/>		\|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent2"/>
	\|Website= {{URL\|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <!-- Updated URL from Art 4 -->		\|Website= {{URL\|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <!-- Updated URL from Art 4 -->

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	{{Company Infobox		{{Company Infobox
	\|image= ~~<!-- It's recommended to upload the company logo file to the wiki and link it here -->~~		\|image= [[File:waveoptics logo1.jpg\|350px]]
	\|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="snap_subsid"/>		\|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="snap_subsid"/>
	\|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)\|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="industry2"/>		\|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)\|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="industry2"/>

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	{{see also\|Companies}} <!-- Added from Art 4 -->		{{see also\|Companies}} <!-- Added from Art 4 -->

	'''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. 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="founded_2014_1"/> 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="parent2"/> 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="snap_subsid"/>		'''WaveOptics Limited''' is a British [[AR]] [[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. 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="founded_2014_1"/> 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="parent2"/> 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="snap_subsid"/>

	== History ==		== History ==

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	{{see also\|Companies}} <!-- Added from Art 4 -->		{{see also\|Companies}} <!-- Added from Art 4 -->

	'''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. 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="founded_2014_1"/> 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="parent2"/> 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="snap_subsid"/>		'''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. 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="founded_2014_1"/> 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="parent2"/> 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="snap_subsid"/>

	== History ==		== History ==
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			[[Category:Companies]]
	[[Category:Augmented Reality Hardware Companies]]		[[Category:Augmented Reality Hardware Companies]]
	[[Category:Optical Technology Companies]]		[[Category:Optical Technology Companies]]

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Xinreality: /* References */

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References

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Xinreality: Undo revision 34938 by Xinreality (talk)

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Undo revision 34938 by Xinreality (talk)

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Xinreality at 07:54, 2 May 2025

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Xinreality: Created page with "{{Company Infobox |image= |Type= Subsidiary |Industry= Augmented Reality, Optics, Waveguides, Display technology |Founded= {{Start date|2014}}
2025-05-02T07:32:28Z

Created page with "{{Company Infobox |image=  |Type= Subsidiary <ref name="snap_subsid"/> |Industry= Augmented Reality, Optics, Waveguides, Display technology <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="industry2"/><ref name="industry3"/><ref name="industry4"/> |Founded= {{Start date|2014}} <ref name="founded_2014_1"/><ref name="founded_2014_2"/><ref name="founded_2014_3"/><re..."
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← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 7 May 2025
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	\|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames\|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom\|UK]]		\|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames\|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom\|UK]]
	\|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer\|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist\|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> <br/> [[Phil Greenhalgh]] ([[Chief technology officer\|CTO]]) <ref name="cto_phil"/>		\|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer\|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist\|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> <br/> [[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="products1"/><ref name="product_names"/> <br/> Projectors (~~e.g.,~~ Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/>		\|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="product_names"/> <br/> Projectors (for example Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/>
	\|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent2"/>		\|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent2"/>
	\|Website= {{URL\|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <!-- Updated URL from Art 4 -->		\|Website= {{URL\|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <!-- Updated URL from Art 4 -->

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:24, 2 May 2025
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	\|image= <!-- It's recommended to upload the company logo file to the wiki and link it here -->		\|image= <!-- It's recommended to upload the company logo file to the wiki and link it here -->
	\|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="snap_subsid"/>		\|Type= [[Subsidiary]] <ref name="snap_subsid"/>
	\|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)\|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="industry2~~"/><ref name="industry3"/><ref name="industry4~~"/>		\|Industry= [[Augmented Reality]], [[Optics]], [[Waveguide (optics)\|Waveguides]], [[Display technology]] <ref name="industry1"/><ref name="industry2"/>
	\|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"/>)		\|Founded= {{Start date\|2014}} <ref name="founded_2014_1"/><ref name="founded_2014_2"/> (Development work began earlier, possibly 2012/2013 <ref name="octopus_2012"/>)
	\|Founder= [[Sumanta Talukdar]], [[David Grey]], [[Salim Valera]] <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/><ref name="founders3"/>		\|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"/>~~		\|Headquarters= [[Milton Park]], [[Abingdon-on-Thames\|Abingdon]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom\|UK]]
	\|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer\|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1~~"/><ref name="ceo2~~"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist\|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2~~"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs~~"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> <br/> [[Phil Greenhalgh]] ([[Chief technology officer\|CTO]]) <ref name="cto_phil"/>		\|Notable Personnel= [[David Hayes]] ([[Chief executive officer\|CEO]], 2017–2021)<ref name="ceo1"/> <br/> [[Sumanta Talukdar]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[David Grey]] (Co-Founder, [[Chief scientist\|Chief Scientist]]) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/> <br/> [[Salim Valera]] (Co-Founder) <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/> <br/> [[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="products1~~"/><ref name="products2~~"/><ref name="product_names"/> <br/> 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="product_names"/> <br/> Projectors (e.g., Saturn 2, Loki) <ref name="product_names"/>
	\|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) ~~<ref name="parent1"/>~~<ref name="parent2"/>		\|Parent= [[Snap Inc.]] (Since May 2021) <ref name="parent2"/>
	\|Website= {{URL\|https://waveoptics.ar/}} ~~<ref name="website_official"/>~~ <!-- Updated URL from Art 4 -->		\|Website= {{URL\|https://waveoptics.ar/}} <!-- Updated URL from Art 4 -->
	}}		}}
	{{see also\|Companies}} <!-- Added from Art 4 -->		{{see also\|Companies}} <!-- Added from Art 4 -->

	'''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"/>		'''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. 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="founded_2014_1"/> 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="parent2"/> 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="snap_subsid"/>

	== History ==		== History ==
	=== Founding and Early Development (2014–2017) ===		=== 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="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"/>		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"/> 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="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"/>
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	== Technology ==		== 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="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~~"/>		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"/>

	Key aspects of their technology included:		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"/>		*'''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="founders1"/><ref name="tech_epe~~"/><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"/> 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"/>		*'''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="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"/>		*'''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="tech_projectors"/>		*'''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"/>
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	\|}		\|}

	WaveOptics complemented its waveguides with projectors like the Saturn 2 <ref name="Saturn2024"/> and offered reference optical engine modules such as Merlin and Titan. <ref name="product_names"/> A notable compact projector, '''Loki''', was designed by WaveOptics incorporating a [[MicroLED]] microdisplay from partner [[Jade Bird Display]] (JBD) for use with the Katana waveguide in development kits like "Leopard". ~~<ref name="loki_projector"/>~~		WaveOptics complemented its waveguides with projectors like the Saturn 2 <ref name="Saturn2024"/> and offered reference optical engine modules such as Merlin and Titan. <ref name="product_names"/> A notable compact projector, '''Loki''', was designed by WaveOptics incorporating a [[MicroLED]] microdisplay from partner [[Jade Bird Display]] (JBD) for use with the Katana waveguide in development kits like "Leopard".

	WaveOptics also partnered with companies like [[Luxexcel]] to integrate their waveguides into [[3D printing\|3D-printed]] prescription lenses, aiming to address the vision correction needs of potential AR users. <ref name="luxexcel_partnership1"/><ref name="luxexcel_partnership2"/> They collaborated with [[MicroLED]] developers like JBD and [[Plessey Semiconductors]] (prior to its acquisition by [[Meta Platforms\|Facebook/Meta]]) on next-generation display modules. ~~<ref name="loki_projector"/>~~<ref name="plessey_partnership"/><ref name="Plessey2020"/>		WaveOptics also partnered with companies like [[Luxexcel]] to integrate their waveguides into [[3D printing\|3D-printed]] prescription lenses, aiming to address the vision correction needs of potential AR users. <ref name="luxexcel_partnership1"/><ref name="luxexcel_partnership2"/> They collaborated with [[MicroLED]] developers like JBD and [[Plessey Semiconductors]] (prior to its acquisition by [[Meta Platforms\|Facebook/Meta]]) on next-generation display modules.<ref name="plessey_partnership"/><ref name="Plessey2020"/>

	== Manufacturing Partnerships ==		== Manufacturing Partnerships ==
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	== Acquisition by Snap Inc. ==		== 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="snap_subsid"/><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="acq_date"/> The deal involved a combination of stock and potentially cash payments over two years. <ref name="acq_terms"/> 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"/>		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="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"/>		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"/> 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 ==		== Notable Personnel ==
	*'''[[Sumanta Talukdar]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="founders1"/><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="founders1"/><ref name="founders2~~"/><ref name="personnel_grey_cs~~"/>		*'''[[David Grey]]''': Co-Founder and Chief Scientist <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders2"/>
	*'''[[Salim Valera]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/>		*'''[[Salim Valera]]''': Co-Founder <ref name="founders1"/><ref name="founders3"/>
	*'''[[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"/>		*'''[[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"/>