MetaOptics announced an agreement to deploy its metalens Direct Laser Writer system at the University of Arizona’s Center of Semiconductor Manufacturing, marking a step in the company’s U.S. expansion strategy. Installation is expected to begin in 2027.
The Direct Laser Writer is designed for 4-inch wafers, enabling rapid prototyping and fabrication of metalens samples within weeks, along with small-volume production for pilot builds and customer demand evaluation.
The deployment will support collaborative research and evaluation by University of Arizona researchers under the guidance of Dr. Krishna Muralidharan of the university’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, while also giving prospective U.S. customers the opportunity to see the system in operation.
MetaOptics said the installation will anchor a “mini foundry” at the university for small-volume, quick-turnaround prototyping and is intended to support emerging U.S. initiatives in silicon photonics, co-packaged optics, and integrated photonics, where the company’s metalens technology applies directly.
KEY QUOTE:
“By placing our Direct Laser Writer within a world-class semiconductor research environment in Arizona, we will be able to strengthen technical validation and gather valuable user feedback. It also supports our ongoing engagements with potential industry partners and end-customers while showcasing our metalens manufacturing equipment to prospective distributors and institutions across the United States.”
Thng Chong Kim, Executive Chairman, MetaOptics
