Key Facts
- ✓ Lumus showcased a 70-degree FOV waveguide at CES 2026.
- ✓ The Z-30 waveguide offers a 30-degree FOV and is 30% lighter than previous generations.
- ✓ New waveguides achieve over 8,000 nits per watt in efficiency.
- ✓ Lumus is ramping up production with partners Quanta and SCHOTT.
Quick Summary
Lumus introduced new waveguide technology at CES 2026, signaling a potential shift in the optical capabilities of high-end smartglasses. The company displayed components that offer significantly wider fields of view and improved physical specifications compared to current market standards.
The presentation highlighted two specific advancements: the Z-30 waveguide and a prototype featuring a 70-degree field of view. These components are designed to address current limitations in smartglass displays, such as battery constraints and display area. Lumus is currently ramping up production with manufacturing partners to meet anticipated demand.
CES 2026 Showcase
Lumus displayed its latest optical components at CES 2026, following the selection of its waveguides for the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. The new technology is positioned as a significant upgrade over the 20-degree field of view found in current full-color smartglass displays.
The company demonstrated two distinct waveguide models to attendees. These demonstrations focused on the physical and visual improvements achieved through the new designs. The components are intended for use in the next generation of high-end smartglasses currently in development.
Z-30 Waveguide Specifications
The Z-30 waveguide offers a 30-degree field of view. It is 30 percent lighter and 40 percent thinner than previous generations. Lumus states the waveguide is capable of hitting more than 8,000 nits per watt, a metric that addresses the power limitations of small batteries.
Despite a resolution of 720 x 720, the display was noted for its brightness and sharpness. The color reproduction was described as rich, specifically citing the ability to reproduce white tones accurately.
70-Degree FOV Prototype
Lumus also showcased a prototype featuring a 70-degree field of view. This display covered the majority of the lens area, leaving only small unused sections in the corners. A Lumus representative noted that pincushion distortion observed along the sides of the display can be corrected in final retail units.
The prototype demonstrated some of the sharpest and brightest optics available in the current smartglass landscape. The company claims its geometric reflective waveguides offer better overall efficiency compared to refractive counterparts. These waveguides also allow for optical bonding to smartglass lenses, facilitating the use of transition lenses rather than clip-on attachments.
Manufacturing and Availability
Lumus claims its designs simplify the manufacturing process, resulting in higher yields and thinner waveguides, some measuring as little as 0.8mm. The company is currently increasing production capacity with assistance from partners Quanta and SCHOTT.
As the industry continues to develop, demand for these advanced components is expected to rise. The technology represents a potential standard for future devices in the sector.
