Bühler Leybold Optics - The role of Optical Coatings and Trimming Innovations for Augmented Reality
MicroLED/AR/VR Connect September 2025
TechBlick Event
Information
Immersive technologies in Augmented Reality are set to transform the wearables industry, with advanced optics being crucial for manipulating light to interface with the human eye. Key optical components including low-loss waveguides, beam splitters, diffractive patterns and various other coating types ensure proper light transfer.
The aim of this talk is to offer a unique perspective on the production of optics in AR wearables. We will examine how Bühler Alzenau GmbH meets the optics industry's needs, with surface treatment equipment focusing on light engines, waveguides, lenses, and displays. Firstly, with the HELIOS Series, a sputtering tool that produces high uniform and amorphous TiO2 films, or complex filters with low stress on wafers up to 300 mm in diameter but extremely low substrate thickness. Secondly, the Long Throw Evaporation (LTE) technology, an evaporation tool, designed for creating highly directional and birefringent films essential for advanced optical applications. Lastly, the Ion Beam Trimming (IBT) a high-material removal technology excelling in creating detailed patterns for surface relief gratings. By showcasing these technologies, Bühler Alzenau GmbH demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the wearables industry towards the future.
Author information and bio:
Daniel de Sá Pereira
Bühler Alzenau GmbH, Business Area Leybold Optics, Siemensstrasse 88, 63755 Alzenau, Germany
Daniel Sá Pereira joined Bühler Leybold Optics in 2021 working on the Semiconductor Market Segment as a technical Sales Manager. Daniel is a Microelectronics Engineer from the New University of Lisbon, Portugal (2015) and a PhD in Physics from the University of Durham, United Kingdom (2019). His research focused on the characterization of organic materials for application in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Since leaving academia, Daniel has joined Business Unit Optics at Bühler Alzenau GmbH to focus on emerging applications that combine the worlds of Optics with Semiconductor like Augmented Reality, RF Communications, Photonic Integrated Circuits, Ambient Light Sensors, etc.
The aim of this talk is to offer a unique perspective on the production of optics in AR wearables. We will examine how Bühler Alzenau GmbH meets the optics industry's needs, with surface treatment equipment focusing on light engines, waveguides, lenses, and displays. Firstly, with the HELIOS Series, a sputtering tool that produces high uniform and amorphous TiO2 films, or complex filters with low stress on wafers up to 300 mm in diameter but extremely low substrate thickness. Secondly, the Long Throw Evaporation (LTE) technology, an evaporation tool, designed for creating highly directional and birefringent films essential for advanced optical applications. Lastly, the Ion Beam Trimming (IBT) a high-material removal technology excelling in creating detailed patterns for surface relief gratings. By showcasing these technologies, Bühler Alzenau GmbH demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the wearables industry towards the future.
Author information and bio:
Daniel de Sá Pereira
Bühler Alzenau GmbH, Business Area Leybold Optics, Siemensstrasse 88, 63755 Alzenau, Germany
Daniel Sá Pereira joined Bühler Leybold Optics in 2021 working on the Semiconductor Market Segment as a technical Sales Manager. Daniel is a Microelectronics Engineer from the New University of Lisbon, Portugal (2015) and a PhD in Physics from the University of Durham, United Kingdom (2019). His research focused on the characterization of organic materials for application in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Since leaving academia, Daniel has joined Business Unit Optics at Bühler Alzenau GmbH to focus on emerging applications that combine the worlds of Optics with Semiconductor like Augmented Reality, RF Communications, Photonic Integrated Circuits, Ambient Light Sensors, etc.
