Prazen, a start-up founded by former Samsung engineers, just unveiled a next‑generation ultra-thin optical module for augmented reality (AR). This new tech delivers a 5 mm-thick module with a 50° field of view (FoV) and about 50% optical efficiency—numbers that outshine what’s been publicly shown by leading AR players.
By combining a small form factor with a wide viewing angle and high light efficiency, Prazen wants to crack a long-standing bottleneck in AR optics. They use a proprietary, high-density design and a wave‑optics-based architecture that cuts down on light loss compared to traditional waveguides.
Prazen’s ultra-thin optical module: a milestone for AR optics
Their module stays remarkably thin but still manages to keep up with the best on viewing angles and efficiency. This blend has been tough to pull off in AR hardware, so it’s no wonder device makers are taking notice—lighter, smarter glasses and head-up displays are finally starting to look possible.
Prazen also points out that their architecture works with a wide range of micro-display tech and should scale well for mass production. That’s a big deal if you care about seeing these things in actual products someday, not just research labs.
Technology behind the breakthrough
The real magic comes from a proprietary high-density optical design paired with a wave-optics-based architecture. This setup chops light loss down more than old-school waveguides ever did.
So the module ends up less than half the thickness of many rivals, while giving you a bigger viewing angle and better efficiency. These design choices go right at the classic AR headaches: thickness, FoV, and brightness.
- Ultra-thin form factor: 5 mm thickness, which means lighter, more comfortable AR glasses.
- Wide FoV: 50° viewing angle for better immersion and situational awareness.
- High optical efficiency: about 50% efficiency, so you get more brightness without draining the battery.
- Platform compatibility: Works with most micro-display tech, including micro OLED and LCOS.
- Innovative architecture: Wave‑optics-based design that really minimizes light loss compared to traditional waveguides.
- Production readiness: Built with commercial deployment in mind, so it can scale up fast.
Industrial applicability and market potential
This technology isn’t just for gadget lovers—AR is moving into real-world tools. The 5 mm module, with its wide FoV and solid efficiency, makes a lot of sense for consumer AR glasses. But honestly, Prazen expects even more action in industrial smart glasses, medical and manufacturing AR systems, and automotive heads-up displays (HUDs).
These markets need thinner, lighter optics that don’t give up brightness or coverage. That’s what makes AR actually wearable and useful in tough environments.
Prazen says their solution is technically competitive and has real commercialization potential. They’re working on a pilot mass‑production line this year, aiming to grow B2B supply for device makers. A spokesperson even called it a milestone that’s challenged global players, since getting both optical thickness and efficiency right hasn’t been easy for anyone.
- Target applications: consumer AR glasses, industrial smart glasses, medical and manufacturing AR systems, automotive HUDs.
- Commercial strategy: pilot production line and expanded B2B supply to device makers to speed up market adoption.
Impact on AR development and future outlook
Prazen’s approach breaks the old barrier between ultra-thin form factors and high optical performance. This shift could speed up AR eyewear adoption across a bunch of industries.
If their pilot line delivers reliable yield and keeps manufacturing costs down, the technology might open up new product categories and use cases. Bulky optics and limited FoV have held things back for years, honestly.
As AR sneaks further into daily workflows and regular consumer life, delivering solid optics in a slim package becomes a real game-changer. Hardware developers and end users both want that edge.
Here is the source article for this story: Prazen Develops Ultra-Thin, High-Performance Optical Module, Achieves 5 mm thickness, 50° field of view, and 50% optical efficiency