The "element surface" of this lens consists of an array of silicon crystals, and the cross section of a single silicon crystal is elliptical. By changing the radius and axial direction of the silicon crystal, the phase and polarization of the passing light can be changed, thereby bending the optical path and achieving focusing. The traditional optical system consists of multiple sets of glass lenses, each of which requires a very precise manufacturing process; and this new technology can use standard semiconductor manufacturing processes to superimpose "element surfaces" with a thickness of only micrometers on each other, namely The required optical system can be obtained, and large-scale batch automatic manufacturing can be realized like a semiconductor chip.

The research team is collaborating with business partners to further commercialize this technology. This project also received funding from the US Department of Energy and the Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the Department of Defense.