Swave Unveils Cutting-Edge 3D Holographic Chip

Swave Photonics, a cutting-edge technology company based in Belgium, is making waves in the world of extended reality (XR) with its innovative 3D holographic display technology designed for compact form factors such as smart glasses.

The Swave Holographic eXtended Reality (HXR) boasts the world's smallest pixel, with a pixel pitch of less than 300nm. This minuscule size allows for precise manipulation of light, resulting in high-resolution images that are incredibly lifelike.

Utilizing established non-volatile Phase Change Material (PCM) as a "pixel" on a standard CMOS semiconductor process, the HXR chip supports D holography up to an impressive 64 gigapixels. The images produced by this technology are not only realistic but also accurately convey depth, providing users with a truly immersive viewing experience.

The company will be showcasing its HXR technology and prototypes at Display Week in San Jose, CA, with plans to announce the release of the initial HXR chips later this year.

Swave is currently accepting orders for HXR development kits aimed at device manufacturers, set to be delivered to customers in the second half of 2024. These kits include both hardware and software components, allowing companies to design, prototype, and test new XR hardware and form factors utilizing the advanced chipset.

Swave's proprietary technology leverages light diffraction and interference to sculpt lightwaves into natural, high-resolution 3D images, achieving true holography without the need for waveguides, varifocal lenses, or stereoscopy. This breakthrough addresses the issue of vergence-accommodation conflict, a common problem in the industry that can lead to discomfort and fatigue.

Gordon Wetzstein, an associate professor at Stanford University, praised Swave's technology, stating, "The holographic displays developed by Swave will have a transformative impact on information displays for smart glasses and beyond."

The HXR chip from Swave is the first spatial light modulator tailored specifically for digital holography and AI-powered spatial computing. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for everyday use, and it can even be customized to accommodate an eyeglass prescription.

Swave CEO Mike Noonen emphasized the company's focus on creating reality-first XR experiences, where augmented images complement the user's natural surroundings. By delivering high-performance displays in a small chipset, Swave aims to eliminate the need for bulky headsets or conspicuous glasses.

Noonen added, "Our goal is to make spatial computing more than just a novelty, but a reality, by enabling users to visualize the world in a new way and achieve more."

With $11 million in seed funding from investors like imec.xpand, Flanders Future Tech Fund, and Acequia Capital, as well as $5 million in non-dilutive grants, Swave is poised to revolutionize the XR industry. The company's technology has the potential to extend beyond smart glasses to applications such as heads-up automotive displays and immersive holographic experiences without the need for glasses or goggles.

For more information about Swave Photonics and its groundbreaking holographic display technology, visit www.swave.io.