SNOChip turns metasurface nanostructures into next-generation lenses

Optics has ushered in a multitude of innovations: Eyeglasses, microscopes, and telescopes that allow us to see things more clearly, from extreme close ups to distant galaxies. Fiber optic, laser, and advanced imaging technologies that enable lightning-fast data transfer, telecommunications, and more precise medical diagnoses. Optical sensors that help cameras and medical devices improve our ability to document what’s really happening, and so much more.

While these technologies and applications may differ, they all rely on the fundamental concepts of how light behaves. Traditional optics — often referred to as geometric optics — focuses on how light propagates. To control light, these systems use refractive lenses to bend or guide light beams. This typically requires lenses with specific curvatures and carefully designed shapes, which are often bulky, heavy, costly, and involve long lead times to produce. They often require special materials that are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions or dependent on foreign sources.

One company working to address these issues is SNOChip. Headquartered near Princeton University, the startup is pushing the boundaries of optics and photonics with the nanotechnology of optical metasurface, also called metalens. By utilizing advanced 2D nanostructures that can precisely control light, the company is developing incredibly thin and versatile flat optics while enabling functions beyond the capabilities of traditional lenses.

Metasurface technology for modern applications

“SNOChip is commercializing optical metasurface technology to deliver next-generation optics, specifically for infrared imaging and sensing applications,” said CEO Qing Wang. “Our metasurfaces are manufactured using the same process as semiconductor integrated circuit chips, so it’s fundamentally different from how traditional optics are fabricated via processes of grinding, polishing, diamond tuning, and molding.”

By using photolithography, SNOChip is able to create metasurface-based flat optics that are much lighter and more compact than traditional refractive lenses. This process is much faster, and more cost effective and scalable than existing optics fabrication.

“Our product uses widely available materials, which eliminates supply chain risks,” explained Wang. “It really has the potential to modernize how we create optics for a host of industries.”

Through miniaturization and integration, SNOChip’s metalenses can solve a wide range of product design challenges, opening opportunities across a variety of applications. For example,  adding more image-sensing capabilities to disposable medical devices to minimize invasive surgical procedures and reduce infection risks; enabling situational awareness devices that make it easier for military personnel to carry essential equipment for assessing environments; and enhancing drones by improving image quality and extending flight time, to name a few.

“If you look at other industries and trends, electronics have moved from discrete components to integrated circuits (ICs),” added Wang. “We see photonics going in the same direction. Our technology will be a powerful platform for that engineering evolution.”

A big market ahead

SNOChip is initially focusing on optical components in the thermal imaging and sensing market for defense and aerospace, which is estimated to reach $1 Billion by 2030. With an urgency to find alternatives to traditional thermal lenses that have been experiencing short supply of critical materials, like germanium and other rare earth elements, Wang believes the company’s metalenses could provide an effective solution.

“While we’re using a semiconductor material now for our product, we can use glass by creating a layer of nanostructure on it as well. This will allow us to address many more types of applications,” he said.

The company is already making headway in this beachhead market, having secured government funds and good traction with initial customers. “Our revenue has been growing at a rate of 100 percent year over year — we were lucky to get government grants to help support us on our path to product development.”

Gaining strategic guidance from Luminate

To expand its access to optics resources, SNOChip applied to Luminate NY — the world’s largest business accelerator for startups working to commercialize deep tech that uses optics, photonics, or imaging (OPI).

Since joining the program in April, Wang has attended nearly 50 instructional sessions, been introduced to dozens of regional OPI resources, and participated in investment pitches to more than 30 investor networks.

“Luminate has helped us build a comprehensive due diligence folder and create a more convincing pitch story, which is critical to attracting further investment. Their staff has also improved the effectiveness of our supply chain strategy,” said Wang.

Advancing its commercialization adventure

If SNOChip were to win follow-on funding at Luminate Finals in October, the investment would help the company move its product launch plans forward, and establish a supply chain for rapid prototyping and low-volume production.

“We’re at our AHA moment — that period of time when you segue into a completely different type of company,” added Wang. “With Luminate’s help, we’re moving from an engineering services company to a product sales company. They are a catalyst for this transition, and for doing it right and in a fast manner.

“I’ve done a startup before. Some people do it for the money. I like to do it for the adventure — it’s thrilling to bring an idea from the concept stage to a real product, especially one like this that can really benefit society.”

Luminate is funded by Empire State Development’s Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. For more information about the Luminate accelerator and Finals 2025 on October 22, visit luminate.org.