Microsoft patents waveguide using nano-patterns to project light in AR glasses
Microsoft describes an optical component for augmented reality displays that uses a thin glass or plastic sheet to guide light. Instead of standard methods, it uses a grid of tiny, nanometer-scale patterns to release the light so the user can see the image.
In the filing’s own words
An optic comprises an optical waveguide and an exit grating configured to out-couple light from the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has a surface and supports total internal reflection of display light from the surface. The exit grating includes a two-dimensional matrix of replicated, nanometer-scale features distributed parallel to the surface.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An optic comprising: an optical waveguide having a surface and supporting total internal reflection of display light from the surface; and an exit grating configured to out-couple light from the optical waveguide, the exit grating including a two-dimensional matrix of replicated, nanometer-scale features distributed parallel to the surface.
Facts
- Company
- Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
- Official title
- OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE WITH METAGRATING OUT-COUPLER
- Publication number
- US20260267052A1
- Application number
- 19071302
- Filed
- Mar 5, 2025
- Published
- Sep 10, 2026
- Inventors
- 2
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
G02B 6/0036 Physics & computingG02B 6/0016 Physics & computingG02B 6/0065 Physics & computingG02B 27/0172 Physics & computingG02B 2027/0178 Physics & computingMore from Microsoft in AR, VR & displays
- Microsoft patents 3D video calls that highlight body parts doctors mention Oct 1, 2026
- Microsoft patents AR glasses that slide to fit different eye spacing Oct 13, 2026
- Microsoft patents AR glasses that hide your eyes from others Sep 3, 2026
- Microsoft patents thinner lens coating for mixed reality glasses Sep 1, 2026
- Microsoft patents matching 3D spaces to share holograms between remote users Sep 1, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.