Overview

Fringe Metrology develops Structured Light Autocollimator (SLA) systems for high-precision surface metrology — from 2.5-meter structures down to silicon wafers. Founded by UA optical sciences PhDs Joel Berkson and Justin Hyatt, the Tucson company pivoted from astronomy optics toward semiconductor topography mapping. NSF SBIR support and Lam Capital competition recognition (2026) anchor its commercialization path.

Why Fringe Metrology is interesting

UA Wyant College spinout pivoting from telescope mirrors to semiconductor wafer inspection — finalist in the 2026 Lam Capital Venture Competition (250 applicants). NSF SBIR Phase I ($275K) with Phase II in review; Optics Valley proof that Tucson science can chase chip-packaging bottlenecks.

Product & use cases

Optical metrology systems using structured-light autocollimation for wafers and large precision surfaces.

• Semiconductor wafer topography and defect mapping
• Large optics / antenna surface qualification
• Manufacturing R&D requiring micron-level full-field data

Key facts

• UA Optical Sciences spinout — Tucson HQ
• SLA captures slope, shape, and defects in one non-contact shot
• 2026 Lam Capital Venture Competition finalist (semiconductor track)
• NSF SBIR Phase I $275K; Phase II review ongoing (2025–2026)

Fundraising history

Investors in our directory

Funds linked from Fringe Metrology's profile — open a fund page for stage focus and related deal articles.

Competitive landscape

Edge: Single-shot full-field slope/shape capture versus slower CMM or laser-tracker workflows.

Industries

Related funding articles

Venture Capital Tracker pieces that cover Fringe Metrology's financing or category context.

• Tucson Startups and VC Firms in 2026: Optics Valley, Fringe Metrology, Desert Angels, UAVC, DVI