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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

Beyond heat: New infrared filter for thermal cameras could detect pollution and disease

Researchers have developed a tiny, electrically tunable infrared filter that can distinguish between different materials and gases based on their spectral 'fingerprints'. This technology has the potential to enable handheld pollution detectors, compact multispectral cameras, and next-generation chemical sensing devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 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

Wear topologies on your body: Flexible metasurfaces enable topologically stable skyrmions

Researchers have created a flexible microwave device that generates Stokes skyrmions in free space, even when bent or partially broken. These exotic field structures preserve their topological charge under deformation, making them suitable for encoding information and resisting distortion in wireless communication systems.

Nonlocal metasurfaces unlock efficient, steerable third‑harmonic light generation

Researchers have created a nonlinear metasurface that efficiently generates and steers visible light through controlled geometric phase. The device combines high-Q resonance enhancement with pixel-level control of the wavefront, enabling compact chip-based visible/UV sources and LiDAR beam steering.

Deciphering light transformation in chiral metasurface in real space and time by ultrafast electron microscopy

Researchers visualized how light is transformed inside a chiral metasurface in both real space and real-time, achieving nanometer spatial resolution and femtosecond temporal resolution. The team found that the asymmetric near fields are a genuine signature of the chiral geometry.

On-chip nonlocal metasurface for color router: Conquering efficiency-loss from spatial-multiplexing

Researchers have developed an on-chip nonlocal metasurface for color router, exploiting symmetry-broken quasi-bound states in the continuum to modulate light extraction intensity and spectral output. The approach achieves efficient, narrowband color routing while minimizing energy utilization efficiency loss from spatial multiplexing.

High-efficiency broadband active metasurfaces via reversible metal electrodeposition

Researchers developed a novel approach to create dynamic metasurfaces using reversible metal electrodeposition, achieving high optical tunability. The technology demonstrates record-high signal-to-noise ratios in various wavelength regimes, enabling reconfigurable optical and thermal devices.

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

Wood becomes smart glass: Photo- and electro-chromic membrane switches tint in seconds

A team of researchers has developed a dual-response cellulose–WO3 composite film that can switch tint in seconds and survive 200 cycles. The membrane is made from wood and can be roll-coated on existing paper machines, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional smart glass.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

Mechanically reconfigurable metasurface LiDAR for adaptive 3D imaging

A new LiDAR system combines the advantages of beam array scanning and flash LiDAR technologies, enabling high-precision detection across diverse applications. The device features a mechanically reconfigurable metasurface platform that synergizes tunable hybrid cascaded metasurfaces with a shape memory alloy micro-actuator.

Second and third harmonic generation in topological insulator-based van der Waals metamaterials

Researchers successfully generate even and odd terahertz frequencies using topological insulator-based van der Waals metamaterials, confirming long-standing theories and opening doors to new applications. This breakthrough enables the development of compact terahertz sources, sensors, and ultrafast optoelectronic devices.

Dynamic optical field manipulation empowered by metasurface network on lithium niobate photonics

Researchers developed a 2x2 on-chip metasurface network on lithium niobate photonics to achieve high-speed, dynamically tunable light field control and large-capacity information processing. The design enables four-channel multiplexing for illumination direction and polarization control.

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.

Missing harmonic dynamics in Generalized Snell’s Law: revealing full-channel characteristics of gradient metasurfaces

Researchers introduce a new theoretical framework that accounts for higher-order spatial harmonics in gradient metasurfaces, enabling precise control over inter-unit coupling. This allows for unprecedented harmonic-selective control in devices, with applications in ultra-dense beamforming and reconfigurable multichannel sensing.

Single-gate electro-optic beam switching metasurfaces

Researchers developed a graphene-based single-gate electro-optic metasurface that controls light direction using a single electrode, simplifying device structure while maintaining high optical efficiency. The metasurface achieved large beam switching angles and demonstrated scalability for next-generation programmable photonic systems.

Researchers capture nanoparticle movements to forge new materials

Researchers have developed a technique to observe phonon dynamics in nanoparticle self-assemblies, enabling the creation of reconfigurable metamaterials with desired mechanical properties. This advance has wide-ranging applications in fields such as robotics, mechanical engineering, and information technology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2025

Integrated metasurface for quantum analog computation: A new scheme to phase reconstruction

Researchers have developed an integrated metasurface-integrated quantum analog computing system, simplifying phase reconstruction and achieving high signal-to-noise ratio at low photon levels. This technology has broad application potential in fields such as optical chips, wave function reconstruction, and label-free biological imaging.

SourceOpto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalElectronics·DateMay 30, 2025

Hybrid strategy in compact tailoring of multiple degrees-of-freedom toward high-dimensional photonics

Researchers have demonstrated an intelligent hybrid strategy for simultaneous multi-degree-of-freedom tailoring, enabling the generation of high-dimensional laser fields. This advancement represents a significant step forward in high-dimensional photonics, offering advantages in scalability and simplicity.

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

Quantum CZ gates on a single gradient metasurface

Researchers propose a novel solution using a single gradient metasurface to realize quantum controlled-Z (CZ) gates, enabling high-density integration and multifunctionality. This design allows for both polarization-encoded and path-encoded CZ gates, with potential applications in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.

Wave scattering simulation unlocks potential for advanced metamaterials

Researchers at Macquarie University developed a new software package, TMATSOLVER, that accurately models complex wave scattering for metamaterial design. The tool enables rapid prototyping and validation of new metamaterial designs, accelerating research and development in this growing global market.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024

Researchers engineer new approach for controlling thermal emission

A team of researchers has created a novel approach to control thermal emission by designing an interface that joins two surfaces with different geometric properties. This allows for localized thermal emissions from designated areas, enabling applications in infrared optics, sensing, and satellite technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2024

New all-optical approach to revolutionize night vision technology

Researchers at TMOS have developed a new infrared filter thinner than cling wrap, which can be integrated into everyday eyewear, allowing users to view both visible and infrared light spectra. This breakthrough miniaturizes night vision technology, opening up new applications in safety, surveillance, and biology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

The Good Fight: Advance in flexible photodetector could improve monitoring of greenhouse gases

Researchers have developed flexible photodetectors that can detect visible to long-wave infrared radiation, covering the full spectrum of greenhouse gases without complex optical components. The new detectors are simple and cost-effective to make, with production at room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

A new type of photonic time crystal gives light a boost

A new type of photonic time crystal has been developed, showing that these artificial materials can amplify electromagnetic waves. This could lead to more efficient wireless communications and improved lasers., The creation of two-dimensional photonic time crystals makes them easier to fabricate and experiment with.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2023