1. From Optical Innovation to Material Revolution
Augmented Reality (AR) is rapidly emerging as a key interface for next-generation human–computer interaction.
From industrial assistance and education to consumer entertainment, AR glasses are evolving quickly. However, achieving
high resolution, high brightness, compact size, and comfort simultaneously poses a major materials challenge.
Core components of AR glasses include:
Optical waveguides and reflective optics
Microdisplay chips (such as MicroLED or LCOS)
Optical engines and thermal management systems
These modules demand materials with
high optical transmittance, excellent thermal conductivity, strong mechanical stability, and robust electrical insulation.
This is precisely where
semi-insulating silicon carbide (SiC) stands out.
Silicon carbide (SiC) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material, typically categorized into:
Conductive SiC – used in power electronics
Semi-insulating SiC – used in RF, optoelectronic, and optical applications
Semi-insulating SiC is produced by precisely controlling doping or intrinsic defects to reduce free carrier concentration.
As a result, it achieves a very high resistivity (10⁸–10¹¹ Ω·cm), behaving almost like an electrical insulator while retaining SiC’s superior optical and thermal properties.
3. Why AR Glasses Favor Semi-Insulating SiC
(1) Excellent Optical Properties
Semi-insulating 6H-SiC or 4H-SiC crystals exhibit strong transmittance across the visible to near-infrared spectrum, making them ideal for:
Optical waveguide substrates
Reflective mirrors and optical windows
Microdisplay support substrates
With a refractive index around 2.6–2.7, SiC effectively controls light coupling and reflection paths, enhancing image brightness and clarity.
(2) Strong Electrical Insulation
AR systems integrate multiple electronic modules—displays, light engines, and sensors.
The high resistivity of semi-insulating SiC prevents electrical interference, improves isolation, and enhances overall device reliability.
(3) Superior Thermal and Mechanical Performance
As AR devices become smaller and more integrated,
heat management becomes critical.
Semi-insulating SiC offers thermal conductivity up to
400–490 W/m·K, far exceeding glass or alumina. It rapidly transfers heat from microdisplays and optical engines, maintaining temperature balance and visual stability.
Its Mohs hardness (~9.5) also ensures exceptional scratch and wear resistance, supporting thinner, lighter AR designs.
4. Typical Application Scenarios
| Application Area |
Function |
SiC Advantages |
| Waveguide substrate |
Light transmission & coupling |
High optical transmittance, low absorption |
| Microdisplay substrate (MicroLED/LCOS) |
Support & heat dissipation |
High thermal conductivity, electrical insulation |
| Optical window/protective cover |
Protection & light transmission |
High hardness, scratch resistance |
| Optical engine packaging |
Thermal & electrical isolation |
Thermal stability, environmental resistance |
5. Comparison with Other Materials
| Material |
Optical Transmittance |
Thermal Conductivity |
Electrical Resistivity |
Processing Difficulty |
Suitability |
| Glass |
★★★★★ |
★ |
★★★★★ |
★ |
Low cost, poor heat management |
| Sapphire |
★★★★☆ |
★★☆ |
★★★★★ |
★★☆ |
Hard but difficult to machine |
| Semi-insulating SiC |
★★★★☆ |
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
★★★ |
Optimal balance of optics and thermal performance |
6. Future Outlook: SiC Enabling AR System Integration
The future of AR lies in
integrated optics, electronics, and thermal management.
Semi-insulating SiC can play multiple roles in this evolution:
Serving as both an optical substrate and a thermal path
Supporting MicroLED or silicon-based microdisplays for higher brightness and compactness
Acting as an electrical isolation layer to reduce EMI interference
Functioning as part of high-performance enclosures or composite structures
With the advancement of CVD growth and high-precision polishing, optical-grade SiC is becoming more accessible, with improving yields and decreasing costs.
In the near future,
semi-insulating SiC is expected to become a standard material for AR/VR optical systems, driving wearable devices toward higher performance and lighter form factors.
✍️
Conclusion
Semi-insulating silicon carbide uniquely combines
high optical transparency, high thermal conductivity, high strength, and excellent insulation.
In AR optical systems, it not only addresses heat dissipation and electrical isolation challenges but also provides stable mechanical support for optical precision.
It is quickly becoming one of the
“invisible” key materials behind AR glasses—making them lighter, cooler, and clearer.
About Us · JXT Technology Co., Ltd.
JXT Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, development, and supply of silicon carbide (SiC) materials.
We offer 2-inch
to 8-inch SiC substrates and wafers, with customizable thickness, dimensions, and cutting specifications to meet diverse needs in R&D, power device fabrication, and RF module development.
For detailed product information or sample requests, please contact us — JXT Technology looks forward to advancing the future of wide bandgap semiconductor innovation together.
