What are the dimensions of a 0.23 inch optical waveguide module?
Let’s cut straight to the chase: the physical dimensions of a typical 0.23 inch optical waveguide module, specifically one designed for augmented reality (AR) smart glasses like the DMGTX0023WGNA from DisplayModule, are approximately 30.5 mm in width, 18.2 mm in height, and 5.8 mm in thickness. These numbers are not pulled from thin air—they come from the actual product datasheet of a commercially available 0.23 inch optical waveguide module. But that’s just the starting point. To really understand what these dimensions mean for system integration, optical performance, and real-world AR applications, we need to dig into the mechanics, the optics, and the trade-offs that engineers face when cramming a high-resolution display into a pair of glasses.
The core display component inside this module is a 0.23 inch micro-OLED panel, which has a diagonal of 0.23 inches (about 5.84 mm). That tiny panel is paired with a waveguide optic that expands the image into a larger eyebox—typically around 10 mm by 8 mm—so the user can see a clear virtual image floating in front of them. The waveguide itself is a slab of glass or polymer, often around 1.5 to 2.0 mm thick, with diffractive gratings etched into its surface. The total module thickness of 5.8 mm includes the micro-OLED backplane, the waveguide substrate, and the protective housing. That’s already a tight stack, and it’s why most AR glasses using this module have a temple thickness of about 6 mm to 8 mm.
Why these dimensions matter for product design: if you’re building a pair of smart glasses, every millimeter counts. The 30.5 mm width of the module dictates how much space it takes up along the side of the frame. In a typical sunglass-style frame, the temple width is around 50 mm to 60 mm, so a 30.5 mm module leaves only about 10 mm to 15 mm for the hinge, battery, and electronics. The 18.2 mm height is critical because it determines how far the module protrudes above the lens. Most glasses have a lens height of 35 mm to 45 mm, so an 18.2 mm module sits comfortably within the upper half of the lens, which is where the waveguide’s exit pupil aligns with the user’s eye. The 5.8 mm thickness, when combined with a 2 mm thick lens, results in a total temple thickness of roughly 8 mm—still acceptable for a chunky frame but not slim enough for a truly fashionable design.
Optical performance is directly tied to these dimensions. The waveguide’s length and width determine the field of view (FOV). For a 0.23 inch micro-OLED with a resolution of 640x400 pixels (a common spec), the waveguide typically provides a diagonal FOV of about 25 to 30 degrees. That’s because the micro-OLED’s image must be magnified and collimated by the waveguide’s optics. The 30.5 mm width is not arbitrary—it’s the minimum length needed to achieve a 30-degree horizontal FOV while maintaining a 10 mm eyebox. If you shrink the width to 25 mm, the FOV drops to about 22 degrees, which is less immersive. If you increase the width to 35 mm, you might get a 35-degree FOV, but the module becomes too large for most glasses frames. So the 30.5 mm width is a sweet spot for the current generation of AR waveguides.
Weight is another dimension that engineers obsess over. A 0.23 inch optical waveguide module typically weighs between 3.5 grams and 4.5 grams, depending on the housing material. The DMGTX0023WGNA, for example, uses a polycarbonate housing that keeps the weight at 3.8 grams. That’s light enough to mount on a pair of glasses without causing discomfort, but it’s not negligible. Compare that to a 0.5 inch module, which can weigh 8 to 10 grams, and you see why the 0.23 inch form factor is popular for consumer AR. The weight distribution is also important: the micro-OLED sits at the bottom of the module, while the waveguide extends upward. This creates a moment arm that can cause the glasses to tilt forward if the temple is not designed properly. Engineers compensate by adding a counterweight or by placing the battery in the temple tip.
Thermal management is a hidden dimension. The micro-OLED panel in a 0.23 inch module typically draws 0.5 to 1.0 watts of power, depending on brightness. That heat must be dissipated through the 5.8 mm thick housing
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