Pittsburgh-based PPG and Meta Materials, a Canadian-based developer of high-performance functional materials and nanocomposites, will demonstrate ophthalmic smart devices primarily for extended reality (XR) applications through Friday at the AWE USA show in Santa Clara, Calif.
The XR market is an umbrella term covering virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality applications.
The companies will optimize PPG’s electrochromic gel with its UV-curable optical monomers to deliver enhanced dynamic dimming functionality for XR eyewear. They will use META’s ARfusion technology with ultraviolet light for curing. This process is expected to be more cost-effective and sustainable.
META’s technology combines cast lens fabrication tools with functional materials to provide an XR wearable platform that integrates smart technologies into thin, lightweight lenses.
“META has the capabilities and resources to lead the development and integration of highly functional materials in smart prescription lenses,” Ray Hudack, PPG senior marketing manager for optical materials and coatings, said. “PPG has extensive experience and IP related to the development, formulation, and application of electrochromic formulations. Together, we aim to develop new ways to advance the next generation ophthalmic optics with new functionality. Through this initiative, we see an opportunity to bring a superior solution to developers of AR/XR smart eyewear and other applications.”