EPIC Report Extract: Optical metasurfaces: shaping the future of display and imaging technologies by YOLE Group, 2024

The optical metasurfaces industry is set for substantial growth, with the market size projected to surge from $62 million in 2023 to $1.925 billion by 2029. This remarkable expansion is primarily fueled by the industry’s increasing role in emerging display and imaging applications.

In the display sector, metasurfaces are expected to become pivotal in augmented reality (AR), offering a cost-effective and high-performance solution for AR eyepieces. The segment could reach $1.399 billion in revenue by 2029, provided that the consumer AR market gains momentum. Additionally, metasurfaces are making inroads into the 3D naked-eye display space for high-end screens.

In the imaging sector, metasurfaces are projected to reduce costs, improve image quality, and introduce new sensing capabilities. The mobile sector, particularly in 3D sensing for autofocus assistance and facial recognition, is likely to be the main growth driver, significantly contributing to the expected $526 million in revenue by 2029. Looking ahead, future applications—such as metasurfaces for color imaging and integrated CMOS sensors—could further expand the market if successfully developed.