News: Suppliers
30 October 2026
Wolfspeed launches transparent silicon carbide technology for AR and quantum computing
Wolfspeed Inc of Durham, NC, USA — which makes silicon carbide (SiC) materials and power semiconductor devices — has announced the commercial introduction of its proprietary transparent silicon carbide (TSiC) technology, expanding the potential of SiC to enable next-generation augmented reality (AR), quantum computing and advanced optical applications.
Building on over 35 years of silicon carbide innovation — including its pioneering work in LED technology and experience manufacturing high-purity semi-insulating (HPSI) wafers — Wolfspeed says that its optical-grade TSiC substrates are engineered for exceptionally low optical absorption and superior wafer flatness. Silicon carbide’s high refractive index, low birefringence, hardness and thermal conductivity make it a promising material for next-generation AR waveguides, supporting wider fields of view, improved image quality and more compact wearable devices.
Beyond AR, TSiC technology offers potential in quantum computing, with the ability to host quantum bits (qubits), preserve their quantum states and transmit quantum information through light — all within a single silicon carbide crystal. Unlike many alternative materials, silicon carbide can support all these functions.
“Wolfspeed’s leadership in silicon carbide innovation extends well beyond traditional semiconductor applications,” says Katrin Feurle, vice president, Beyond Power at Wolfspeed. “Our proprietary TSiC technology and extensive intellectual property portfolio position us to help enable breakthroughs in augmented reality, quantum computing and other emerging markets, reinforcing the versatility and transformative potential of silicon carbide,” he adds.
“For years, the dream of truly immersive, all-day augmented reality glasses has run up against the hard limits of optical materials — you simply couldn’t get a wide field of view, high image quality, and a lightweight, wearable form factor all at once,” comments Barry Silverstein, a display systems and optics industry expert at the University of Rochester and former chief technology officer & senior director of Optics and Display Products at Meta Reality Labs. “Silicon carbide changes that equation. Its exceptionally high refractive index lets a single-layer waveguide do the work that previously took stacked optics, which is the kind of step-change the industry needs to move AR from a novelty into everyday eyewear. Wolfspeed's work on optical-grade TSiC technology is exactly the type of materials innovation that can finally unlock that potential.”
Wolfspeed says that its technology is supported by a robust intellectual property portfolio. The firm continues advancing its 200mm optical-grade substrates while developing 300mm TSiC technology to support future market requirements.
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