January 29, 2025 – Lumus, a company specializing in geometric waveguide technology for augmented reality eyewear, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Z-30 optical engine. This new engine features Lumus’ Z-Lens 2D waveguide architecture and offers a 30-degree field-of-view, specifically designed to fit within the dimensions of standard eyeglasses. According to Lumus, the Z-30 provides significant functional and aesthetic advantages for augmented reality devices.
Ari Grobman, CEO of Lumus, stated that the Z-30 is a direct response to the needs of the entry-level consumer market for AR glasses. He emphasized the company’s commitment to creating optical engines adaptable to diverse AR glasses designs and applications. Grobman highlighted that while maintaining the high image quality of their Z-50 model, the Z-30’s reduced field-of-view facilitates easier integration into typical glasses shapes and enhances device battery life, paving the way for wider consumer adoption.
Lumus explained that the Z-30 optimizes crucial performance aspects for an improved user experience. AR glasses incorporating the Z-30 engine will require less processing power and less robust hardware because of the reduced pixel count needed for rendering. This optimization is expected to lower production costs and make the technology more accessible.
The company further noted that a mid-sized field-of-view, as offered by the Z-30, leads to more efficient operation. This efficiency contributes to a smoother visual performance, extended battery life, and better suitability for prolonged consumer usage.
Weighing just 14.5g, the Z-30 delivers full-color visuals at a resolution of 720 x 720 pixels and boasts a brightness exceeding 3,000 nits/Watt. Lumus also points out that compared to the Z-50, the Z-30 achieves a 50% reduction in both weight and volume, enabling the creation of even more compact AR glasses designs.
Grobman further elaborated on the aesthetic benefits of the mid-range field of view, mentioning it allows manufacturers to create more appealing, smaller form factors that resemble standard eyeglasses, thereby enhancing user comfort and acceptance, as wearers will feel less like they are using bulky tech devices.
The Z-30 optical engine utilizes Lumus’ Z-Lens waveguide architecture, which enables smaller projector designs without compromising image quality. This architecture also offers flexible eye-box positioning, minimizes world ghost effects, and allows for direct bonding of prescription lenses or protective plastic elements. Lumus also stated that the Z-Lens waveguide architecture is compatible with microLED projectors, enabling slimmer and more energy-efficient designs.
Concluding his remarks, Grobman said that Lumus is expanding its product line to cater to a wide range of AR applications, from immersive entertainment to quick data access. He believes the Z-30 optical engine provides manufacturers with the necessary tools to tap into mainstream consumer markets.
For further details about Lumus and their geometric waveguide technology for AR eyewear, interested parties are directed to the company’s website.
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