Advances in optical control: new opportunities for metasurfaces in optoelectronics
Optoelectronic metadevice. Effectively integrating metasurfaces into electronic devices requires a careful co-design approach that addresses both photonic and electronic components. Metadevices can be classified into three types depending on their functionality: (i) Light emitting devices (LEDs, displays, lasers). (ii) Modulation devices (spatial light modulators, LIDAR, switches). (iii) absorption devices (detectors, imagers, solar cells); Credit: Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adm7442
A global review of advances in integrating metasurfaces (thin planar arrays of nanostructures) into optoelectronic devices highlights the potential of metasurfaces to transform technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, light modulators, and photodetectors. is highlighted. This advancement could pave the way for breakthroughs across industries such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), optical communications, thermal management, solar energy, and quantum technologies.
The review, led by researchers at A*STAR IMRE and Stanford University, in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University and Singapore University of Technology and Design, was published in the journal Science on 29 November. Published. 2024.
A metasurface is a very thin, man-made layer made of tiny components (nanostructures) that can precisely bend, reflect, or change light. These advanced materials offer opportunities to improve device performance. For example, photodetectors integrated into metasurfaces can capture more complex optical information such as spectral and polarization data, facilitating advances in imaging systems and optical computing. Similarly, in LEDs, metasurfaces improve quantum yield and enable precise directionality and color control of LEDs.
By integrating these versatile materials into devices such as LEDs, lasers, and photodetectors, researchers have demonstrated the potential for significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and compactness.
AR/VR and displays: Metasurfaces enable high-resolution, ultra-small optics to support more immersive, lightweight wearable devices. Renewable energy: Increasing the light absorption and power conversion efficiency of solar cells contributes to increased sustainability. Optical communications and lasers: Enhanced beam quality and polarization control enable faster and more reliable data transmission. Sensing and imaging: Metasurface-enabled photodetectors capture complex light-field data to advance healthcare diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and automated transportation.
“Metasurfaces offer an innovative approach to light manipulation that combines precision, versatility, and compactness,” said Dr. Ha Son Tung, Senior Research Scientist at A*STAR IMRE. “This could change the way light is used in industries such as renewable energy, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.”
Future efforts will focus on enhancing the multifunctionality of metasurfaces, allowing them to perform optical, electronic, and thermal functions simultaneously. To facilitate scale-up of commercial applications, the team aims to develop scalable manufacturing techniques that comply with industry standards and ensure material compatibility for seamless integration.
Further information: Son Tung Ha et al., Optoelectronic Metadevices, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adm7442
Provided by Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Citation: Advances in Light Control: New Opportunities for Metasurfaces in Optoelectronics (December 20, 2024) from https://phys.org/news/2024-12-advancing-opportunities-metasurfaces-optoelectronics.html 2024 Retrieved December 20th
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