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New optical screen could pave way for cheaper infrared cameras

Researchers have developed a new optical screen that converts infrared light to visible light, making it possible to create cheaper and more compact infrared cameras. The screen, made of tiny structures thousands of times smaller than a human hair, can produce images more than 1000 times brighter than traditional methods.

IEEE study explores new photonics breakthrough: topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces

A recent study explores topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces, enabling precise control of light at the nanoscale. This approach can generate complex structured light fields while preserving their unique structures across different wavelengths, paving the way for compact next-generation photonic technologies.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Photonics Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 15, 2026

Pixel-controlled programmable metasurface enables phase-type spatial terahertz modulation

Researchers designed a compact, optically addressed programmable metasurface using VO2-based phase change materials. The device enables pixel-level independent encoding and dynamic generation of THz wavefronts for various applications including zoom meta-lensing, vortex beams, and holography.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2026

Focusing underwater sound with a lens 40% lighter than conventional designs

A Korean research team created an underwater acoustic lens capable of focusing sound precisely at a desired point while reducing weight by about 40% compared to conventional designs. The findings have significant implications for underwater communication, marine environmental monitoring, and acoustic energy transfer.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateJul 1, 2026

“A new security technology that locks information with light color and distance” — unhackable metasurface holograms

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a secure hologram platform that stores information using the wavelength of light and spacing between metasurface layers. The technology enables information processing using light alone, without electrical power or electronic chips.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 3, 2026

An unexpected breakthrough in flat optics

A team from Harvard and University of Lisbon found that silica, a low-refractive index material, can be used for making metasurfaces despite long-held assumptions. They discovered that by carefully considering the geometry of each nanopillar, silica behaves as a metasurface, enabling efficient design of devices with relaxed feature sizes.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Breakthrough in scalable metasurface manufacturing: POSTECH team proposes nanoimprint lithography solutions with efficiency near electron beam lithography

The POSTECH team proposes two innovative strategies using nanoimprint lithography to address the limitations of traditional metasurface manufacturing. The hybrid material method and particle-embedded resin method enable high-performance metasurfaces with optical efficiencies comparable to electron beam lithography, making large-scale m...

SourceELSP·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 26, 2025

Twisting sound: Scientists discover a new way to control mechanical vibrations in metamaterial

Researchers at CUNY ASRC introduce twistelastics, a technique using tiny rotations to manipulate mechanical waves, allowing unprecedented adaptability in sound and vibration control. The breakthrough enables flexible wave behavior for applications in medical imaging, consumer electronics, and microfluidics.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2025

Researchers integrate waveguide physics into metasurfaces for advanced light control

Scientists have developed a new type of metasurface that combines waveguide physics with planar design to achieve precise control over light at the nanoscale. The metasurfaces produce photonic flatbands across wide angles while preserving ultrahigh quality factors, enabling efficient trapping of light and strong interactions with matter.

Major step for flat and adjustable optics

Scientists at Linköping University have made a significant breakthrough in creating controllable flat optics using nanostructures on a flat surface. By precisely controlling the distance between antennas, they achieved up to tenfold improvement in performance, opening up new avenues for applications such as video holograms and biomedic...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2025

Single-shot simultaneous intensity, phase, and polarization imaging with metasurface

A team of researchers from Jinan University has developed a metasurface-based imaging technique that can precisely measure the intensity, phase, and polarization of arbitrary light field distributions in a single exposure. The system uses optimized metasurface structural parameters to diffract incident light fields into sub-images that...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2025

Achromatic metasurface waveguide: Pioneering a new era in AR displays

Researchers developed an innovative solution combining inverse-designed metasurface couplers and high-refractive-index waveguides to eliminate chromatic dispersion in AR displays. The single-layer design simplifies manufacturing while enhancing system performance, positioning it as a promising technology for next-generation AR devices.

Conformal radiation-type programmable metasurface for agile millimeter-wave OAM generation

Researchers developed a conformal programmable metasurface that generates Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) waves at millimeter-wave frequencies without external spatial excitation. The design mitigates feed leakage radiation and realizes low-profile configuration, enabling next-generation wireless communication and space-based applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 30, 2025

Progress on intelligent metasurfaces for signal relay, transmitter, and processor

Researchers have made significant progress in developing intelligent metasurfaces to reshape the wireless communication environment, enabling efficient signal relay and processing. The technology has the potential to improve network performance with limited spectral resources.

Metasurface technology offers a compact way to generate multiphoton entanglement

Researchers developed a new approach using metasurfaces to generate multiphoton entanglement, simplifying the process while increasing efficiency. This breakthrough enables the creation of different types of entangled states and facilitates the fusion of multiple pairs into larger groups.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2025

Origami metasurfaces: Unveiling a new horizon in holographic electromagnetics - innovative breakthroughs in reconfigurable origami chiral responses

Researchers have developed origami metasurfaces with reconfigurable chiral responses, achieving holographic encryption and multiplexed holographic images. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of this technology in applications such as information security and target interference.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateMar 5, 2025

The art and science of twisting light

A team of researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design has developed a new type of metasurface that can generate circularly polarized light without complex optical setups. The metasurface exhibits chirality, enabling it to convert arbitrary optical excitation into circularly polarized light at specific frequency ranges.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 17, 2025