Brilliance raises €2M to move forward with laser engines for AR glasses

Integrated-photonics company Brilliance has secured a 2-million-euro investment from Oost NL and Photonventures. The Enschede-based startup focusing on laser engines for augmented and virtual reality glasses will use the proceeds to develop customer-specific prototypes and prepare for industrialization. Worldwide, several producers of AR applications are already testing Brilliance’s technology.

Brilliance leverages silicon nitride-based photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to create tiny, energy-efficient RGB laser modules without compromising performance. “Miniaturization is key to success in the development of AR glasses because, for ultimate wearing comfort, the devices must be as small as possible and preferably barely visible. In addition, extremely clear images are necessary, especially for outdoor applications, while at the same time, energy consumption must be kept to an absolute minimum. We’re now able to overcome these dilemmas by producing the smallest and most efficient chip solution,” Brilliance CEO Tim Tiek explains.

Recently, Brilliance succeeded in demonstrating technical feasibility in the prototype chips. The firm uses a new flip-chip technology, where the laser chip is placed on its back against other advanced components. “With this investment, we can scale up the PIC technology to the industrial volumes needed for the AR market. We’re therefore delighted that our new shareholders’ confidence makes this next step in our development possible”, says Tiek.