Metasurface Optics Market Expands as STMicroelectronics and Metalenz Ink New License Agreement

STMicroelectronics, and Metalenz, a pioneer in metasurface optics, have signed a new license agreement to advance the adoption of metasurface optics in consumer, automotive, and industrial markets. The agreement enables STMicroelectronics to utilize Metalenz’s intellectual property to produce advanced metasurface optics, leveraging ST’s 300mm semiconductor and optics manufacturing platform for production, testing, and qualification.

The collaboration targets applications such as smartphone biometrics, LIDAR, camera assist, robotics, gesture recognition, and object detection. Since 2022, STMicroelectronics has shipped over 140 million metasurface optics and FlightSense modules using Metalenz IP. The new agreement strengthens ST’s capabilities in combining optics and semiconductor technology, utilizing 300mm wafers for high precision, cost-effectiveness, and scalability in high-volume, complex applications.

Metalenz, a Harvard spinout holding exclusive rights to foundational metasurface patents, aims to accelerate the shift of optics production into semiconductor manufacturing. This transition enhances the optical performance and temperature stability of ST’s FlightSense modules while reducing size and complexity compared to traditional lens stacks.