SINGAPORE, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) ("MetaOptics" or the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") has announced plans to develop a compact optical module for 3D non-contact fingerprint biometrics, designed to support future smartphone integration possibilities. The project enhances the Company's existing 3D sensing technology by reducing optical stack size and incorporating electronic tuning to optimise imaging performance without the complexity of mechanical motion.
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with a Singapore-based national institute that supports the commercialisation of advanced semiconductor technologies. This collaborative partnership accelerates the translation of cutting-edge optical research into manufacturable and scalable solutions for next-generation secure identity systems.
At the core of the module is a tunable flat-lens optical stack built around two ultra-thin metalenses. Unlike traditional curved lenses, these nanostructured flat optical elements precisely shape and focus light within an exceptionally compact architecture. Each metalens is fabricated on a glass substrate, which are separated by an approximately 100 µm-thick liquid crystal ("LC") layer equivalent to the thickness of a human hair.
By applying voltage across the LC layer, the optical characteristics of the stack can be electronically adjusted, enabling tunable optical response in a highly compact form factor, eliminating the need for bulky or failure-prone mechanical focusing components.
It is intended that each 2.0 mm-diameter metalens will sit on a 0.775 mm glass substrate, creating a 1.65 mm optical stack within a target overall module thickness of about 5 mm, supporting integration into space-constrained consumer devices. The demonstrator uses green wavelength 532 nm for this optical module design, paired with a monochrome image sensor and control electronics, to capture detailed fingerprint features under controlled conditions.
"I have been working on small pixel size, LC-based spatial light modulators ("SLMs")—a challenging class of electro-optic systems where stable, repeatable tuning must be achieved within an extremely compact form factor", said Dr. Tobias W. W. Mass (VP Systems), MetaOptics Ltd. "Applying this experience to realise an autofocus mechanism for a metalens imaging system is a logical step for MetaOptics. We selected an LC tuning approach because it is a mature technology platform with high optical design freedom while maintaining fully electronic actuation. Compared with mechanical focusing approaches such as VCM-based actuation, our approach supports scalable manufacturing and improved yield."
"This programme builds directly on the insights gained from our first-generation 3D non-contact fingerprint module. With this next-generation tunable metalens solution, we are targeting a significant reduction in module size down to approximately a 5mm encapsulation, enabling mounting in space-constrained consumer electronics such as 5G smartphones and notebooks. Importantly, while many biometric modules in the market are passive, our tunable metalens stack enables an 'active' optical architecture—electronically adjustable to optimise fingerprint capture—supporting higher security through improved 3D biometric precision and offering a cleaner, non-contact alternative to conventional 2D contact-based fingerprint solutions."
We intend to showcase our new generation 3D biometrics sensing tunable module at CES 2027 in Las Vegas next January. Featuring an advanced tunable metalens, this module delivers significantly higher fingerprint tracing precision, a significantly smaller device size and higher hygienic as compared with currently available 2D biometric technologies.
Additional updates will be shared as development progresses.
About MetaOptics Ltd
MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) is a leading-edge semiconductor optics company pioneering glass-based metalens solutions enhanced by AI-driven image processing. Using advanced optical design and a scalable 12-inch DUV lithography process, it powers next-generation applications in CPO, mobile, AR VR, automotive and other emerging markets. Headquartered in Singapore, MetaOptics aims to deliver high-performance optics with the reliability and scalability demanded by today's most innovative technology brands. Find out more at www.metaoptics.sg
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Development collaboration update: Compact Tunable Metalens Module Advances 3D Non-Contact Fingerprint Biometrics Toward Smartphone Integration Possibilities
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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced an upgrade to KuCoin Lite Mode with the integration of Earn and Feed. The update brings together an intuitive entry experience, low-friction earning options, and actionable market content in a single streamlined interface—helping first-time users reduce complexity without sacrificing capability at the start of their crypto journey. The upgrade reflects KuCoin's user-first product approach and its belief that technology should serve people first.
Building on the recent launch of KuCoin Lite Mode and the evolution of Feed, this enhanced experience extends KuCoin's "content-to-trade" strategy to a broader audience. By making Feed accessible directly within Lite Mode, users can discover market trends without switching interfaces, supporting more informed decision-making within the KuCoin App. The upgrade also strengthens the connection to passive earning pathways, bringing crypto wealth tools closer to the simplicity users expect from digital banking.
KuCoin Lite is designed as a comprehensive entry point—not a stripped-down version of Pro—helping new users learn, participate, and build confidence with less friction. By simplifying how users discover products and information while maintaining platform reliability and security standards, KuCoin supports more responsible participation from the start.
Key enhancements include:
- Earn — One-Tap Rewards: A simplified way to access beginner-oriented earning options, designed to reduce operational friction.
- Feed — Actionable Insights: Curated, bite-sized market updates and community trends that bridge discovery and execution.
This development is part of KuCoin's broader strategy to lower barriers to entry and raise the standard for beginner-friendly experiences. By reducing information overload and simplifying core workflows, KuCoin continues to drive the next wave of global crypto adoption.
The upgraded KuCoin Lite experience is available in the KuCoin App. Users can switch between Lite and Pro modes at any time.
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.
Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.
Learn more: www.kucoin.com
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced an upgrade to KuCoin Lite Mode with the integration of Earn and Feed. The update brings together an intuitive entry experience, low-friction earning options, and actionable market content in a single streamlined interface—helping first-time users reduce complexity without sacrificing capability at the start of their crypto journey. The upgrade reflects KuCoin's user-first product approach and its belief that technology should serve people first.
Building on the recent launch of KuCoin Lite Mode and the evolution of Feed, this enhanced experience extends KuCoin's "content-to-trade" strategy to a broader audience. By making Feed accessible directly within Lite Mode, users can discover market trends without switching interfaces, supporting more informed decision-making within the KuCoin App. The upgrade also strengthens the connection to passive earning pathways, bringing crypto wealth tools closer to the simplicity users expect from digital banking.
KuCoin Lite is designed as a comprehensive entry point—not a stripped-down version of Pro—helping new users learn, participate, and build confidence with less friction. By simplifying how users discover products and information while maintaining platform reliability and security standards, KuCoin supports more responsible participation from the start.
Key enhancements include:
- Earn — One-Tap Rewards: A simplified way to access beginner-oriented earning options, designed to reduce operational friction.
- Feed — Actionable Insights: Curated, bite-sized market updates and community trends that bridge discovery and execution.
This development is part of KuCoin's broader strategy to lower barriers to entry and raise the standard for beginner-friendly experiences. By reducing information overload and simplifying core workflows, KuCoin continues to drive the next wave of global crypto adoption.
The upgraded KuCoin Lite experience is available in the KuCoin App. Users can switch between Lite and Pro modes at any time.
About KuCoin
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform trusted by over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. The platform delivers innovative and compliant digital asset services, offering access to 1,000+ listed tokens, spot and futures trading, institutional wealth management, and a Web3 wallet.
Recognized by Forbes and Hurun, KuCoin holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, underscoring its commitment to top-tier security. With AUSTRAC registration in Australia and a MiCA license in Austria, KuCoin continues expanding its regulated footprint under CEO BC Wong, building a reliable and trusted digital-asset ecosystem.
Learn more: www.kucoin.com
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
KuCoin Enhances Lite Mode With Earn and Feed, Supporting Confident Entry Into Crypto and Broader Adoption
