MetaOptics Ltd and Elsoft Research Berhad have announced a strategic partnership to co-develop and mass-produce next-generation semiconductor optics manufacturing equipment. This collaboration aims to address the growing demand for metalens fabrication and testing equipment, as the metalens market is projected to expand into a multibillion-dollar industry in the coming years.
The partnership will focus on designing, building, and industrialising key fabrication equipment for metalens production, from research and development to high-volume manufacturing. The collaboration combines Elsoft’s expertise in automated test equipment with MetaOptics’ deep knowledge of metalens design and processes. The companies plan to develop three main equipment families: a 12-inch Direct Laser Writer platform, wafer-level automatic metalens testers, and a metalens module assembly and test system.
The 12-inch Direct Laser Writer platform will enable high-volume mass production of metalenses, integrating seamlessly into existing semiconductor processes. The wafer-level testers will characterise metalens performance across various wavelengths, whilst the assembly and test system will automate the production of smartphone camera and AR glasses modules.
MetaOptics is currently in discussions with potential foundry customers in the US, Japan, and Europe for the supply of these key metalens fabrication tools. The partnership is expected to accelerate MetaOptics’ transition to mass production capabilities and extend Elsoft’s precision equipment expertise into the fast-growing metalens market.
Both companies are set to define the technical specifications and commercial terms for the equipment programme, with plans to enter into definitive agreements soon. This collaboration is not anticipated to have a material impact on the financials of either company for the current year.
