MetaOptics to Showcase Contactless 3D Biometric Sensor Using Metalens Technology at CES 2025

MetaOptics Technologies, a Singapore-based metalens manufacturer, has announced plans to demonstrate a new contactless 3D biometric sensor at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show. The sensor system utilizes advanced metalens technology to enable high-precision fingerprint recognition without physical contact between the user’s finger and the sensor surface, joining a growing segment of contactless biometric solutions that gained prominence following increased hygiene awareness during the global pandemic.

MetaOptics, established in 2021 by CEO Mark Thng, specializes in end-to-end metalens production services, including design, prototyping, testing, and large-scale manufacturing. Metalenses employ nanoscale structures, typically constructed from silicon, to manipulate light at subwavelength scales. These components offer significant advantages over conventional optical lenses, including ultra-thin form factors and precise light focusing capabilities essential for advanced imaging and sensing applications.

The company achieved a significant technical milestone in 2023 with the development of the first directly processed metasurface on 300mm glass wafers, enabling scalable metalens production. Through collaboration with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), MetaOptics has also developed a Direct Laser Writer system for high-precision metalens prototyping. The advancement positions Singapore as an emerging hub for biometric hardware manufacturing, following other regional developments such as NEXT Biometrics’ government project in the country.

At CES, the biometric sensor will be exhibited alongside MetaOptics’ new pico projector, which features compact dimensions of 45mm x 58mm x 30mm and weighs 80 grams. CEO Mark Thng stated that these devices “demonstrate how we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in optics, combining portability, precision, and performance.”

The integration of metalens technology into biometric systems represents an emerging trend in authentication hardware, potentially enabling more compact and efficient identity verification solutions for various security applications. This development aligns with the industry’s broader shift toward contactless authentication solutions, which have seen increased adoption in both government and commercial applications due to their combination of convenience, hygiene benefits, and robust security capabilities.

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December 5, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy and Alex Perala