MetaOptics Ltd (9MT) announced that it has signed an agreement to deploy its metalens Direct Laser Writer (DLW) system at the University of Arizona’s Center of Semiconductor Manufacturing in the United States.

The installation, scheduled to begin in 2027, will position the 4-inch-wafer DLW system as a rapid-prototyping and small-volume production platform for metalens samples.

According to the company, the on-campus “mini foundry” will allow U.S. customers and partners to observe the DLW in operation, accelerate metalens prototyping, and provide user feedback for further technical validation. Research work by the University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, led by Dr. Krishna Muralidharan, is also expected to benefit from the equipment.

MetaOptics said the deployment supports its broader U.S. expansion strategy and aligns with emerging initiatives in silicon photonics, co-packaged optics, and integrated photonics within Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem.

MetaOptics develops glass-based metalens solutions using a 12-inch DUV lithography process for applications in co-packaged optics, mobile, augmented and virtual reality, automotive, and other markets.