Inkron

October 31 – Radiant Opto-Electronics Completes Acquisition of Finnish Advanced Optical Materials Manufacturer Inkron Oy, Fortifying Vertical Integration and Marking a New Chapter in Precision Optics. In recent years, Radiant has strategically expanded into comprehensive optical integration services, focusing on next-generation compact image-sensing and display products. With the completion of this acquisition, Radiant not only enhances its manufacturing capabilities but also strengthens its independence in the research and development of critical materials by integrating Inkron’s materials experts. Materials Innovation Drives Advancements in Optical Processes Firstly, Inkron’s advanced optical coating products help optimize the light path design of micro-LED and OLED displays. By precisely controlling the refractive index and film thickness, these coatings can significantly improve optical efficiency and reduce reflection losses—minimizing glare, enhancing brightness, and boosting color contrast—to deliver a more uniform and refined visual performance that elevates overall display quality. Secondly, in the field of optical sensing, Inkron’s resin systems are compatible with processes such as nanoimprint, photolithography, and inkjet printing. These high-performance formulations can be applied to various substrates and support wafer-level processing, enabling precise light manipulation at the nanoscale. This technological advancement allows the integration of eye-tracking, depth-sensing, and temperature-detection functions into increasingly compact and lightweight devices. Lastly, in the domain of optical waveguides, Inkron’s proprietary high- and low-refractive-index resins support low-temperature and photo-curable processing, enabling the formation of light channels on diverse substrates. This capability plays a key role in advancing Radiant’s development of wearable biosensing devices and paves the way for applications in healthcare, augmented reality (AR), and other emerging fields of human–machine interaction. Optical Innovation at the Core: Powering human–machine interaction and Mixed Realities Over the years, Radiant has gradually evolved from traditional backlight module manufacturing processes such as CNC machining and plastic injection to advanced optical fabrication techniques, including nanoimprint and electron-beam lithography. With the addition of Inkron, Radiant is extending its reach into high-end optical materials, further enhancing its optical packaging, adhesive, and coating processes. This acquisition underscores the integration of mass production and materials innovation. By leveraging its comprehensive optical platform, Radiant aims to become a leading optical solutions provider, advancing human–machine interaction technologies and driving innovative applications that seamlessly bridge the physical and virtual worlds. For more information, please visit: https://inkron.com/

Inkron is visiting CIOE Shenzhen. If you wish to get in touch and discuss with our team send us a message. In picture Inkron’s WLO material solutions presentation on-going.

Laser World of Photonics 2025: Join Us at Messe München! 📅 June 24-27, 2025 📍 Hall B2, Stand 441 - Finnish Joint Stand The Inkron team is excited to meet you at Laser World of Photonics next week! Visit us to discuss your material needs related to wafer-level optics. Potential topics of interest include nanoimprintable high RI coatings, nanoimprint process options (inkjet or spin coating), control of internal reflections in optics, and more. Featured Topic: Our recently published white paper, a joint effort with SUSS and Inkron, explores inkjet coating with the Nano Imprint Lithography (NIL) process. This paper demonstrates how to fabricate high-performance optical components using Inkron's high-refractive-index nanoimprint materials, combined with precision inkjet printing and NIL from SUSS This combination enables nanometer-level control of the residual layer thickness, a critical parameter for consistent optical quality. While the case study focuses on AR waveguide combiners, the findings are broadly applicable across imprint technologies. The process flexibility shown here is ideal for creating highly customized, reproducible nanostructures in demanding photonic applications. 📄 Read the full paper and discover how our approach can support your next manufacturing challenge. https://lnkd.in/dJqg-HEc #LASERWORLD, #DIFFRACTIVEOPTICS, #DOE, #AR,#AUGMENTEDREALITY,#WLO, #HIGH_RI

One week to go! The EPIC Technology Meeting on Photonics for AR/MR at Morphotonics kicks off on Tuesday, June 3rd, in Eindhoven. Inkron's VP, Jukka Perento, will present a paper addressing common NIL process challenges in AR waveguide manufacturing and the solutions to overcome them. Don't miss out! #EPIC, #AR, #Inkron, #diffractiveoptics, #highRI, #NIL,#DOE

Addressing Reliability Issues in High RI NIL Resins for AR Waveguides AR waveguides are often manufactured using the nanoimprint lithography (NIL) process with high refractive index (RI) NIL materials. TiO2 nanoparticles are commonly used in these formulations, especially when indices over 1.8 RI are required. Since the refractive index is directly correlated with the Field of View (FoV) of AR glasses, these high indices are both desired and essential. However, TiO2 is a well-known photocatalytic material that can generate reactive oxygen species in direct sunlight, leading to yellowing and degradation of the resin formulation. This reduces the efficiency and stability of the AR waveguide. Finding a solution to this problem is crucial for the widespread adoption of wide FoV AR glasses. Inkron has been working on solutions to this issue and will present the results at the upcoming SPIE AR|VR|XR conference in San Francisco on January 27-29, 2025. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at [email protected] or visit our booth 6225 during the AR|VR|XR show hours in San Francisco. #AR #AugmentedReality #UVstability #Waveguides #Optics #Innovation #Technology #DOE #NIL #HighRI #Inkron #PhotonicsWest #SPIE #ARVRXR

Is the Future of AR Glasses Built on Plastic Substrates? The recognized benefits of polymeric substrates include low weight and enhanced eye safety. But is it possible to achieve a stable manufacturing process and maintain dimensional stability in high-volume NIL production while preserving acceptable optical properties when the substrate is a high-index polymer? Inkron, a manufacturer of high refractive index resins for wafer-level optics and AR waveguides, conducted a series of tests to answer these questions and evaluate the critical performance criteria of waveguides made on Diffrar™, polymeric optical substrates provided by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. The tested process works entirely at room temperature. It was shown that excellent processability, dimensional stability, and structure fidelity of the gratings can be achieved. No adhesion or stability issues were observed. Additionally, the optical properties, such as propagation loss, were good. If you are interested in the waveguide manufacturing process and materials on high RI polymeric substrates, contact Inkron at [email protected]. Or visit us at Inkron booth 6225 at the Photonics West AR | VR | XR conference in San Francisco on January 28-29, 2025. #AR #AugmentedReality #PolymericSubstrates #Waveguides #Optics #Innovation #Technology #MitsuiChemicals #Inkron #PhotonicsWest #ARVRXR #DOE #Diffractiveoptics

Inkjet Coating Combined with NIL Process: Unlocking New Design Opportunities Inkjet coating, when combined with the NIL process, offers new design possibilities for optics designers and manufacturers of wafer-level optics, such as AR waveguides and diffractive optical elements. The flexibility of this process allows for several benefits. Unlike traditional spin coating, which applies a uniform layer of material, inkjet coating enables selective application of material with localized thickness. This method even allows for the use of multiple coating materials on the same wafer. What practical benefits can manufacturers expect from the inkjet coating process? Material Savings: Inkjet coating uses less than 1/10 of the coating material compared to spin coating (EVG Poster SPIE 2023). Minimized RLT: Achieve optimal layer thickness. Selective Area Coating: Target specific areas with precision. Grey Scale Coating: Apply varying thicknesses for enhanced design. Improved Design Freedom: Greater flexibility in optical design. The images below demonstrate variable height slanted gratings and RLT optimization achieved through the inkjet coating process.

The yearly highlight of the AR/VR/MR industry is once again approaching – SPIE AR/VR/MR will start at Moscone West in San Francisco on January 27, 2025. And yes – Inkron will be there! If you wish to meet our team on-site, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or stop by our booth #6225. Inkron’s Process Team Lead, Dr. Mikko Poutanen, will be giving a talk on the main stage about “High Refractive Index Materials for Nanoimprinting Waveguides – Challenges and Solutions.” Abstract of the talk: High refractive index resins are key enabling components for direct nanoimprinting of AR waveguides and need to meet strict requirements across optical quality, replication pattern fidelity, mass manufacturing process stability, and long-term reliability. This talk will highlight the latest developments in Inkron’s state-of-the-art nanoimprinting materials for both spin coating and inkjet printing applications. Dr. Poutanen will address and present solutions for the photostability challenges of titanium dioxide-based high refractive index materials, pattern fidelity changes in repeated replication processes, and low-temperature process requirements of emerging plastic substrates.