Applied Materials is accelerating photonics, a technology gaining attention as a foundation for next-generation AI applications, based on its decades of leading materials engineering expertise.

Applied Materials announced on the 1st that it has entered into a strategic partnership with GlobalFoundries (GF) and will build a state-of-the-art waveguide manufacturing facility in Singapore.

This collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in the photonics field, which is attracting attention alongside advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and develop high-performance optical solutions for implementing next-generation digital experiences, such as AR glasses.

Photonics is emerging as a key future technology, including augmented reality (AR) and human-centered AI applications, based on ultra-high-efficiency, lightweight, and high-performance optical systems. Applied Materials will develop waveguide components with GF as its mass production partner, leveraging its materials engineering expertise in the semiconductor and display industries.

“Photonics is positioned as a core technology for AR glasses that enable human-centered AI experiences,” said Paul Meissner, vice president of Applied Materials’ Photonics Platforms business unit. “Through our collaboration with GF, we will expand our leadership in highly integrated display technology and materials engineering.”

GF also expressed strong expectations for this collaboration. "We are proud to lead photonics innovation in Singapore alongside Applied Materials," said Yu Kong Tan, General Manager of GF Asia Pacific Manufacturing and Singapore Operations. "By combining our technological capabilities, we will accelerate the adoption and proliferation of next-generation devices."

This collaboration builds on Singapore's photonics ecosystem, encompassing materials, sensors, integration, assembly, testing, and applications, and is expected to provide technology solutions that will lead the future of the global semiconductor and display industries.