Synaptics has announced the Natural ID FS9100, a new line of optical fingerprint sensors that can scan through a full millimeter of cover glass.

In a statement announcing the new sensor family, Synaptics asserted that it sports “an extremely thin form factor and minimal power consumption,” adding that its under-glass application will protect the sensor from scratches, water, and so on. It also features Synaptics’ PurePrint anti-spoofing technology, which the company says can discern between fake and real fingers.

Commenting on the new offering, IDC Research Director Lee Santiago said that by offering thin, low-power optical sensors to mobile device OEMs, “Synaptics is enabling the elimination of the home button which is a critical next step to full top-to-bottom, edge-to-edge smartphone and tablet displays.”

Under-glass sensor technology is an increasingly popular frontier for sensor makers, with FPC having recently provided such technology for new smartphones from Huawei, and VKANSEE now working on similar technology. With its use of optical sensor technology, Synaptics says the Natural ID FS9100 represents an ‘industry-first’.