Unlocking Next-Generation Imaging Systems by Revolutionizing Meta-Optics through Computational Imaging
- 4 US Patents (issued and pending) with foreign/PCT filings
- Disrupting $40B+ compact camera module market
- Creating new value-add markets such as consumer hyperspectral imaging
- Applications in consumer electronics, machine vision, industrial systems
- Spun out of the University of Washington
Our mission at Tunoptix is to create a new class of compact value-add imaging systems with significantly improved cost-benefit ratios, through software-defined meta-optics.
Our proprietary technology outperforms traditional optical systems by utilizing meta-optics and advanced reconstruction software in system architectures that transform optical data for digital processing.
This pioneering process equips imaging systems with advanced functionality, compact form factors, reduced cost, and minimal complexity.
While digital revolution continued to advance compute and software capabilities, very few improvements have been made in physical optics. Scalability in form factor of the physical optics has been a fundamental challenge facing modern imaging systems, from compact camera modules (CCMs) to space telescopes.
Although emerging solutions such as diffractive and meta-optics are proven to address the scaling challenge, they are limited to monochromatic and narrowband use cases.
At Tunoptix, we are pioneering a new approach to designing imaging systems that leverages the advantages of meta-optics while extending their use into broadband and hyperspectral applications. This approach, software-defined meta-optics, differs from conventional imaging by first designing optics that encode a captured image instead of simply focusing it, which is then reconstructed.
This approach of encoding through software-defined meta-optics is uniquely positioned to provide additional scene information such as spectral content, depth, edges, shapes, etc. enabling next generation imaging systems such as hyperspectral, 3D or other types of value-add imaging all in a smaller, lighter, cost-effective products.
Key Milestones
Industry first high quality full-color imaging using meta-optics
- Achieved image quality comparable to that of six-element refractive optics using a single meta-optic
- 40% reduction in total track length compared to conventional lens
Ultra compact CMOS imaging via low-cost computational imaging
- Thinner & lighter optical elements with 50% TTL reduction and proportional weight savings
- Large DOF (1 mm DOF for 2 mm focal length)
- Fast image processing (milliseconds), with no moving parts, thermally stable
Compact hyperspectral imaging solution
- Demonstrated technical feasibility
- Developing prototype hyperspectral cameras in form factors compatible with consumer devices delivering significant cost savings
3D imaging solution
- Demonstrated a third reduction in TTL and elimination of other lenses in conventional time-of-flight modules
- Wide field of view suitable for robotic and AR/VR applications
Large aperture imaging capability
- Centimeter range lenses fabricated and demonstrated
- Computational back end, a key enabler for aberration control in imaging with larger apertures
Please contact us for demonstration of capabilities
Our team includes top academic, scientific, and industry professionals with experience in optics, nanofabrication, and technology commercialization
