[News] Applied Materials and GlobalFoundries Achieved Strategic Collaboration

Applied Materials, Inc. has announced a strategic collaboration with GlobalFoundries (GF) to establish a state-of-the-art waveguide manufacturing facility at GF’s Singapore plant, aiming to accelerate the next wave of innovation in photonics technology.

Leveraging decades of semiconductor expertise, Applied Materials will work with GF to co-develop advanced waveguide components.

The initiative builds on Singapore’s fast-growing and dynamic photonics ecosystem, which spans materials, sensors, integration, assembly, testing, and applications.

“Photonics is rapidly emerging as a key enabler for AR glasses, and Applied Materials is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation,” said Dr. Paul Meissner, Vice President and General Manager at Applied Materials. “Our collaboration with GF extends our leadership in materials engineering and enables the delivery of highly integrated display technologies.”

“GF is proud to partner with Applied Materials to drive photonics innovation in Singapore,” said Yew Kong Tan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of GF’s Singapore operations. “By combining our global expertise in semiconductor manufacturing with Applied Materials’ advanced materials engineering, we are delivering breakthrough technology solutions to power and scale the adoption of next-generation devices.”

At the core of AR glasses lies the challenge of seamlessly overlaying virtual images onto the real-world field of view. Waveguide technology, with its ultra-thin design and reliance on total internal reflection, has become the optical solution of choice for consumer-grade AR devices.

(Photo credit: GlobalFoundries)