MetaOptics’ single-layered glass lens improves performance and sustainability
It can independently tune red, green and blue (RGB) images – producing reasonable quality and more vibrant images
[SINGAPORE] Local semiconductor optics startup MetaOptics Technologies is harnessing nanophotonics and artificial intelligence (AI) to overhaul traditional lens systems used in consumer electronics, augmented and virtual reality and scientific imaging.
Its flagship innovation, the Advanced Color Metalens Imaging System, replaces multi-layer plastic lenses with a single-layer glass metalens.
Using deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion photolithography on 12-inch glass wafers – a standard process from semiconductor manufacturing – the system dramatically reduces the thickness and weight of camera modules, while offering enhanced durability and colour accuracy.
The cameras in today’s smartphones and point-and-shoot devices typically rely on stacked layers of plastic or glass lenses to focus light.
Innovative lenses
Metalenses are flat optical components that can perform the same function using just a single layer of intricately patterned nanostructures.
MetaOptics uses semiconductor fabrication techniques to etch millions of microscopic pillars – each about 1/800th the width of a human hair – onto glass wafers. A 1.5 mm lens can contain more than six million of these nano-pillars, precisely engineered to manipulate light and focus images.
MetaOptics identified problems with bulky optics and environmental concerns in compact devices, based on feedback from the industry.
By working with engineers, research scientists, designers and software developers, they created a single-layer RGB glass lens that can independently tune red, green and blue images – producing reasonable quality, more vibrant images.
To further enhance imaging, MetaOptics developed AI-based software that performs real-time fusion of RGB channels, automatically fine-tuning contrast, sharpness and noise.
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The company’s proprietary algorithms restore image quality to near-original, high-resolution levels, even under varying lighting conditions – a challenge that has long plagued mobile and embedded imaging systems.
Industry recognition and interest
The system was recently demonstrated at CES 2025, where it drew interest from major tech companies.
Their response validated MetaOptics’ potential in both consumer and enterprise imaging, and opened doors for collaborative opportunities in AI and camera hardware acceleration.
The AI-enhanced metalens is being tested in devices such as security cameras, smartphones and laptops.
Compared with conventional systems, MetaOptics is able to reduce optical thickness, weight, and manufacturing costs.
The elimination of plastic components also reduces waste and contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing model.
The first generation metalens modules feature a 70-degree field of view and reasonable optical clarity, suitable for applications ranging from mobile photography to scientific diagnostics.
With a sleek, ultra-thin profile, they blend aesthetics with performance, aligning with the compact form factors of today’s devices.
Since launching the products in July 2024, the company has sold the products globally and have secured purchase orders for direct laser writers.
The optics company is also in discussions with partners to explore how the technology can be scaled for future use across various industries where space and optical precision are critical such as consumer electronics and medical imaging systems.
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