Via the Rochester Business Journal
In the world of high-tech manufacturing, precision is everything. Yet, for decades, a fundamental limitation has held laser systems back: a limited depth of focus (DoF). This constraint makes working on curved or uneven surfaces a clumsy, inefficient process. Manufacturers in the marking, cutting, and engraving industries are forced to rely on painfully slow surface mapping and mechanical modules that constantly readjust the laser’s position. The results are far slower production, higher material waste, and complex systems that are costly to build and maintain—a persistent headache for industries from electronics to aerospace.
San Diego-based Oblate Optics is leveraging emerging advances in inverse design and nanomanufacturing to create an innovative solution to limited DoF. Its ultra-thin, high-efficiency, AI-optimized DeepFocus™ metalenses use extended-depth-of-focus (EDoF) to keep the laser focused over a far greater range of working distances than otherwise possible. This eliminates the need for extremely slow surface mapping, and for mechanical or manual refocusing and moving parts—increasing operation speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency. Its compact, plug-and-play modules replace bulky and expensive optics, streamlining the laserbased manufacturing process.
“Our optics offer unmatched performance, compactness, and cost effectiveness, making them uniquely suited for next-generation and ultra-fast laser manufacturing systems,” explained Rajesh Menon, CTO of Oblate Optics.
Building momentum: From validation to vision
Milestones define a startup’s journey. Oblate Optics reached a significant turning point when it was selected for a paid pilot study with Altec Lasers, a leading laser marking original equipment manufacturer (OEM). This study allowed Oblate Optics to test its technology and validate that its metalenses took the correct technical approach. It also proved the technology could have strong industry demand.
“That milestone, combined with early feedback from NSF I-Corps and support from the Luminate accelerator, gave us the momentum to build a scalable business around a truly transformative optical technology,” said Menon.
With these findings, Oblate Optics is moving forward to finalize and field-test its next-generation EDoF lens prototypes, complete pilot integrations with OEMs, and ultimately establish a scalable U.S.-based manufacturing pipeline.
“In parallel, we aim to expand into glass ablation applications, particularly for co-packaged optics and photonic interposers, where precise laser scribing is critical,” explained Menon. “Hitting these milestones will position us to serve high-growth markets in semiconductor packaging, display technologies, and photonic integration.”
Oblate Optics also has goals to tap into the vast marking, engraving, and cutting markets, which range from hundreds of applications such as marking serial numbers to creating precision machine components. Oblate Optics’ initial focus is the global laser marking market, projected to grow to nearly $5 billion by 2028.
“With typical systems requiring one to two lens replacements annually and a large installed base already in operation, we estimate that our addressable lens market will exceed $2 billion by 2029,” said Menon.
The companies of Luminate cohort 8 will compete for $2 million in follow-on funding at Luminate Finals 2025 on October 22, which is open to the public. The program is funded by Empire State Development’s Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative. For more information about the Luminate accelerator and Finals 2025, visit luminate.org.