Metaprint Project
Meta-optics for AR/VR via nano-imprint lithography of metal oxides
METAPRINT “Nano-imprint lithography of titania-based meta-optics” targets the nano-fabrication of near eye displays for augmented reality smart-glasses by direct printing hard ceramics (e.g. TiO₂).
It will deliver Photonic Meta-surfaces capable of redirecting virtual images from a micro-display to the eye.
GROUND-BREAKING TECHNOLOGY TO UNLOCK THE “SMART GLASSES” MARKET
SOLNIL’S PATENTED TECHNOLOGY LEVERAGES EXTREME MATERIALS
Printable inorganic resist: TiO₂ with a ultra-high refractive index (UHRI, RI up to 2.6) and ultra-low refractive index SiO₂ (ULRI, RI down to 1.12).
SOLNIL’s solutions are fully miscible in any proportion
LARGE AND FINE TUNEABILITY OF RI
FROM 1.12 TO 2.6 +/- 0.005 RIU
REFRACTIVE INDEX (CONTRAST) AND FIELD OF VIEW FOR AR
Larger RI contrast improves the field of view of smart glasses.
TiO₂ with RI up to 2.6
(e.g. the same RI of SiC)
SiO₂ down to RI = 1.12
Field of view of virtual images increased by 40% with respect to current offers.
Liquid Deposition via Spin Coating
Can be applied onto 3D structures previously etched using conventional top-down methods.
Direct Printing of Printable Resists
Produces 3D patterns while avoiding toxic and expensive organic resists, lithography, lift-off processes, and etching steps.
Larger RI contrast improves the field of view of smart glasses.
no vacuum, no dangerous precursor gasses
no UV, no lift off, no etching
JUST DIRECT PRINTING OF THE FINAL STRUCTURES MADE OF INORGANIC MATERIALS
HIGHER SUSTAINABILITY
Massive Cost Reduction
Beyond the superior performance of our material, we provide a massive reduction of both CapEx (>50×) and CoO (>4×) compared with incumbent top-down lithographic methods.
SOLNIL has freedom to operate in this field and is already servicing several leading actors in the AR market by providing the technology for near eye displays based on diffractive waveguides.
METAPRINT will go beyond this common approach adopting Photonic Meta-surfaces to:
- Enhance the light management efficiency (extending the battery lifetime)
- Improve spatial resolution of the virtual images
- The colour brightness
METAPRINT will showcase the viability of our approach by building a pilot-production line of near eye displays over 200 mm flat wafers and on 100 mm curved ones.
METAPRINT RESULTS WERE PRESENTED IN THESE OCCASIONS:
Precision Patterning of purely Inorganic Compounds for Advanced Optical Materials
7th of March, TechBlick 6-7 March 2025.
A great event to meet the rich Taiwanese Display Ecosystem.
Materials and Nano-Fabrication Methods for Photonic Metasurfaces
OPTICA OIC Conference (Tucson, USA).
https://www.optica.org/events/topical_meetings/optical_interference_coatings/
June 22–27, 2025 ICM–Internationales Congress Center München.
EPIC Technology Meeting on Industrial Laser Processes at Optoprim (Milan, 10-11 September 2025).
https://epic-photonics.com/events/epic-meeting-on-industrial-laser-processes-at-optoprim/
MARCO ABBARCHI, CSO at SOLNIL, marco.abbarchi@solnil.com
Pépinière d’entreprises Luminy Biotech, 163 avenue de Luminy, 13011 Marseille France
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