Advanced Photonics Metamaterials and Metasurfaces: Science and Applications

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optoelectronics and Optical Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2024) | Viewed by 12663

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Physics, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Interests: photonic metasurfaces; polaritonic metasurfaces; photonic crystals; topological photonics
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Guest Editor
Department of Physics, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Interests: silicon photonics; inverse-designed photonics; metalenses; infrared stealth and camouflage
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Photonics metamaterials and metasurfaces have emerged as a burgeoning field at the forefront of scientific research, offering unprecedented control over light–matter interactions. These artificially engineered meta-structures, with their tailored arrangements of nanostructured building blocks, possess extraordinary properties beyond those found in naturally occurring materials. With their ability to manipulate light at the subwavelength scale, they hold immense potential for groundbreaking advancements and applications in photonics, including sensing, imaging, energy harvesting, and communication.

This Special Issue aims to bring together researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds to showcase the latest advancements in advanced photonics metamaterials and metasurfaces, focusing on both fundamental science and practical applications. It serves as a platform for scientists and engineers to share their cutting-edge research and explore the unlimited possibilities brought about by these remarkable meta-structures. This collection of research articles will shed light on the profound impact of these meta-structures on various scientific and technological domains, while inspiring future investigations into their countless possibilities.

Original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Topological metamaterials and metasurfaces;
  • Non-Hermitian metamaterials and metasurfaces;
  • Inverse-designed metamaterials and metasurfaces;
  • Active metamaterials and metasurfaces;
  • Multilayer metasurfaces and Moiré metasurfaces;
  • Multifunctional metasurfaces and multispectral metasurfaces;
  • Metalenses;
  • Nonlocal metasurfaces;
  • Ultra-high-Q metasurfaces;
  • High-temperature metasurfaces.

We are looking forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Zhaojian Zhang
Prof. Dr. Junbo Yang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • metamaterials
  • metasurfaces
  • topological photonics
  • non-Hermitian photonics
  • Moiré photonics
  • metalenses
  • metalenses
  • metadevices
  • inverse design
  • bound states in the continuum

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 3460 KiB  
Article
Ultrahigh-Reflectivity Circularly Polarized Mirrors Based on the High-Contrast Subwavelength Chiral Metasurface
by Bo Cheng, Botao Jiang, Yuxiao Zou and Guofeng Song
Photonics 2024, 11(10), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11100923 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 700
Abstract
The circularly polarized laser sources are core components for many optical applications such as biomedicine, quantum technology, and AR/VR. However, conventional techniques make it difficult to further diminish the size of circularly polarized lasers. Thus, the high-contrast subwavelength chiral metasurface (HCCM) with a [...] Read more.
The circularly polarized laser sources are core components for many optical applications such as biomedicine, quantum technology, and AR/VR. However, conventional techniques make it difficult to further diminish the size of circularly polarized lasers. Thus, the high-contrast subwavelength chiral metasurface (HCCM) with a 980 nm operating wavelength is numerically investigated. The HCCM is composed of chiral metasurfaces modulating the circular dichroism of reflectance and 6 pairs of Distributed Bragg Reflectors (DBR) with 55% reflectivity. The reason that the HCCM has an ultra-high reflectivity (99.9%) at the operating wavelength of 980 nm is the combination of the optical refractive index difference between the GaAs metasurface and the AlOx substrate and weak destructive interference in the AlOx support layer. In addition, the circular dichroism of the chiral metasurfaces (2.1%) is mainly caused by the displacement of two square air holes in opposite directions, thus transforming the unit cell of the metasurface from C2 symmetry to chiral symmetry. The reflector has the advantages of a simple structure and miniaturization, which is expected to greatly reduce the fabrication difficulty and cost of the circular polarization VCSELs. Full article
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13 pages, 4947 KiB  
Article
Ultra-Compact Reflective Waveguide Mode Converter Based on Slanted-Surface and Subwavelength Metamaterials
by Yanxia Zhang, Rui Feng, Bojian Shi, Xiaoxin Li, Yanyu Gao, Wenya Gao, Qi Jia, Fangkui Sun, Yongyin Cao and Weiqiang Ding
Photonics 2024, 11(9), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11090838 - 4 Sep 2024
Viewed by 815
Abstract
Mode converter (MC) is an indispensable element in the mode multiplexing and demultiplexing system. Most previously reported mode converters have been of the transmission type, while reflective mode converters are significantly lacking. In this paper, we propose an ultra-compact reflective mode converter (RMC) [...] Read more.
Mode converter (MC) is an indispensable element in the mode multiplexing and demultiplexing system. Most previously reported mode converters have been of the transmission type, while reflective mode converters are significantly lacking. In this paper, we propose an ultra-compact reflective mode converter (RMC) structure, which comprises a slanted waveguide surface coated with a metallic film and a subwavelength metamaterial refractive index modulation region. The results demonstrate that this RMC can achieve high-performance mode conversion within an extremely short conversion length. In the two-dimensional (2D) case, the conversion length for TE0–TE1 is only 810 nm, and the conversion efficiency reaches to 94.1% at the center wavelength of 1.55 μm. In a three-dimensional (3D) case, the TE0–TE1 mode converter is only 1.14 μm, with a conversion efficiency of 92.5%. Additionally, for TE0–TE2 mode conversion, the conversion size slightly increases to 1.4 μm, while the efficiency reaches 94.2%. The proposed RMC demonstrates excellent performance and holds great potential for application in various integrated photonic devices. Full article
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12 pages, 3720 KiB  
Article
Terahertz Meta-Mirror with Scalable Reflective Passband by Decoupling of Cascaded Metasurfaces
by Zhihua Fan, Boyu Li, Shaolin Zhou and Gang Huang
Photonics 2024, 11(9), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11090796 - 27 Aug 2024
Viewed by 497
Abstract
Electromagnetic metasurfaces have been playing exotic roles in the construction of ultracompact and versatile metadevices for wave–matter interactions. So far, multiple metasurfaces cascaded with intercouplings have been intensively investigated for extraordinary wavefront control and broadband spectral regulations. However, most cases face high structural [...] Read more.
Electromagnetic metasurfaces have been playing exotic roles in the construction of ultracompact and versatile metadevices for wave–matter interactions. So far, multiple metasurfaces cascaded with intercouplings have been intensively investigated for extraordinary wavefront control and broadband spectral regulations. However, most cases face high structural complexity and little attention is paid to cascaded metasurfaces without interlayer couplings. In this paper, we demonstrate one type of terahertz Bragg mirror with ideally high reflectivity and ultra-broad bandwidth by simply resorting to decoupled metasurfaces. Cascaded metasurfaces with decoupled mode control prove practically straightforward for analytical design and easy to fabricate for engineering purpose in our scheme. Essentially, by flexibly tuning the decoupled metasurface mode, the middle Fabry–Perot mode that behaves like a defect mode inside the reflective passband can be eliminated for substantial band expanding. Fundamental analyses and rigorous calculations are performed to confirm the feasibility of our metasurface-based THz Bragg mirror with scalable bandgap. In comparison, our meta-mirror provides superior spectral performance of a larger bandgap and higher in-band reflectivity over that composed by ten layers of alternate dielectrics (Rogers 3003 and 3005). Finally, our analytical methodology and numerical results provide a promising way for the rapid design and fabrication of a Bragg mirror in the optical regime. Full article
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12 pages, 2681 KiB  
Article
Analogue of High-Q Transparency Band and Sensitivity in All-Dielectric Metasurfaces Supporting Bound States in the Continuum
by Ling Shuai, Suxia Xie, Haoxuan Nan and Xin Guan
Photonics 2024, 11(8), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11080775 - 20 Aug 2024
Viewed by 740
Abstract
Bound states in the continuum (BICs), which are characterized by their high-quality factor, have become a focal point in modern optical research. This study investigates BICs within a periodic array of dielectric resonators, specifically composed of a silicon rectangular bar coupled with four [...] Read more.
Bound states in the continuum (BICs), which are characterized by their high-quality factor, have become a focal point in modern optical research. This study investigates BICs within a periodic array of dielectric resonators, specifically composed of a silicon rectangular bar coupled with four silicon rectangular blocks. Through the analysis of mode coupling, we demonstrate that the interaction between the blocks significantly modulates the eigenmodes of the bar, causing a redshift in all modes and enabling the formation of electromagnetically induced transparency based on BICs (EIT-BIC). Unlike typical EIT mechanisms, this EIT-BIC arises from the coupling of “bright” and “dark” modes both from the rectangular bar, offering novel insights for nanophotonic and photonic device design. Further, our systematic exploration of BIC formation mechanisms and their sensing properties by breaking structural symmetries and changing environmental refractive indices has shed light on the underlying physics. This research not only consolidates a robust theoretical framework for understanding BIC behavior but also paves the way for high-quality factor resonator and sensor development, as well as the precise control of photonic states. The findings significantly deepen our understanding of these phenomena and hold substantial promise for future photonic applications. Full article
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12 pages, 1014 KiB  
Article
Gradient Probabilistic Algorithm for Compact Lithium Niobate Integrated Photonic Devices
by Lizhe Sheng, Haiting Zhang, Jingjing Zhang, Yanqun Tong, Xiaoxian Song, Zijie Dai, Yu Yu, Yanan Wang, Zhongkun Gao, Shuaichen Guan, Kai Guo and Jianquan Yao
Photonics 2024, 11(6), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11060508 - 27 May 2024
Viewed by 936
Abstract
Compact photonic devices are highly desired in photonic integrated circuits. In this work, we use an efficient inverse design method to design a 50/50 beam splitter in lithium niobate integrated platforms. We employ the Gradient Probability Algorithm (GPA), which is built upon traditional [...] Read more.
Compact photonic devices are highly desired in photonic integrated circuits. In this work, we use an efficient inverse design method to design a 50/50 beam splitter in lithium niobate integrated platforms. We employ the Gradient Probability Algorithm (GPA), which is built upon traditional gradient algorithms. The GPA utilizes the adjoint method for the comprehensive calculation of the electric field across the entire design area in a single iteration, thereby deriving the gradient of the design area. This enhancement significantly accelerates the algorithm’s execution speed. The simulation results show that an ultracompact beam splitter with a footprint of 13μm × 4.5μm can be achieved in lithium niobate integrated platforms, where the insertion loss falls below 0.5 dB within the 1500 nm to 1700 nm range, thus reaching its lowest point of 0.15 dB at 1550 nm. Full article
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15 pages, 10765 KiB  
Article
Dual-Polarization Conversion and Coding Metasurface for Wideband Radar Cross-Section Reduction
by Saima Hafeez, Jianguo Yu, Fahim Aziz Umrani, Yibo Huang, Wang Yun and Muhammad Ishfaq
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050454 - 11 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1374
Abstract
Modern stealth application systems require integrated meta-devices to operate effectively and have gained significant attention recently. This research paper proposes a 1-bit coding metasurface (CM) design. The fundamental component of the proposed CM is integrated to convert linearly polarized incoming electromagnetic waves into [...] Read more.
Modern stealth application systems require integrated meta-devices to operate effectively and have gained significant attention recently. This research paper proposes a 1-bit coding metasurface (CM) design. The fundamental component of the proposed CM is integrated to convert linearly polarized incoming electromagnetic waves into their orthogonal counterpart within frequency bands of 12.37–13.03 GHz and 18.96–32.37 GHz, achieving a polarization conversion ratio exceeding 99%. Furthermore, it enables linear-to-circular polarization conversion from 11.80 to 12.29, 13.17 to 18.44, and 33.33 to 40.35 GHz. A second element is produced by rotating a fundamental component by 90°, introducing a phase difference of π (pi) between them. Both elements are arranged in an array using a random aperiodic coding sequence to create a 1-bit CM for reducing the radar cross-section (RCS). The planar structure achieved over 10 dB RCS reduction for polarized waves in the frequency bands of 13.1–13.8 GHz and 20.4–30.9 GHz. A prototype was fabricated and tested, with the experimental results showing a good agreement with the simulated outcomes. The proposed design holds potential applications in radar systems, reflector antennas, stealth technologies, and satellite communication. Full article
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9 pages, 3226 KiB  
Communication
Thermally Controlled Broadband Ge2Sb2Te5-Based Metamaterial Absorber for Imaging Applications
by Zifeng Qiu, Gui Jin and Bin Tang
Photonics 2024, 11(3), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11030272 - 19 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1088
Abstract
In this paper, we theoretically and numerically demonstrate a thermally controlled broadband absorber based on the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). When GST operates in the amorphous state, the proposed metamaterial acts as a broadband nearly perfect absorber. [...] Read more.
In this paper, we theoretically and numerically demonstrate a thermally controlled broadband absorber based on the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). When GST operates in the amorphous state, the proposed metamaterial acts as a broadband nearly perfect absorber. The absorption can reach more than 90% in the wavelength range from 0.9 to 1.41 μm. As an application of the GST-based metamaterial absorber, the near-field imaging effect is achieved by using the intensity difference of optical absorption. Moreover, the thermally controlled switchable imaging can be performed by changing the phase transition characteristics of GST, and the imaging quality and contrast can be adjusted by changing the geometrical parameters. This designed metamaterial may have potential applications in near-infrared temperature control imaging, optical encryption, and information hiding. Full article
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15 pages, 8725 KiB  
Article
Multi-Layered Metamaterial Absorber: Electromagnetic and Thermal Characterization
by Bui Xuan Khuyen, Ngo Nhu Viet, Pham Thanh Son, Bui Huu Nguyen, Nguyen Hai Anh, Do Thuy Chi, Nguyen Phon Hai, Bui Son Tung, Vu Dinh Lam, Haiyu Zheng, Liangyao Chen and Youngpak Lee
Photonics 2024, 11(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11030219 - 28 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2150
Abstract
Metamaterials, recognized as advanced artificial materials endowed with distinctive properties, have found diverse applications in everyday life, military endeavors, and scientific research. Starting from monolayer metamaterials, multilayer ones are increasingly researched, especially in the field of electromagnetic wave absorption. In this article, we [...] Read more.
Metamaterials, recognized as advanced artificial materials endowed with distinctive properties, have found diverse applications in everyday life, military endeavors, and scientific research. Starting from monolayer metamaterials, multilayer ones are increasingly researched, especially in the field of electromagnetic wave absorption. In this article, we propose a multilayer metamaterial-absorber (MA) structure comprising two resonant layers crafted with copper and FR-4 dielectric. The presented multilayer MA structure exhibited an absorption greater than 90% in a frequency range from 4.84 to 5.02 GHz, with two maximum absorption peaks at 4.89 and 4.97 GHz. The bandwidth of the multilayer MA surpassed that of the individual single-layer MAs, with extension fractions reaching 360% and 257%, respectively. Through the simulation and calculation, the field distribution and equivalent circuit model elucidated that both individual magnetic resonances and their interplay contribute significantly to the absorption behavior of the multilayer MA. The absorption of the proposed multilayer MA structure was also investigated for the oblique incidence in the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. In the TE mode, the absorption intensity of two maximum peaks was maintained at over 93% up to an incident angle of 40 degrees and dropped to below 80% at an incident angle of 60 degrees. In the TM mode, the absorption was more stable and not significantly affected by the incident angle, ranging from 0 to 60 degrees. An absorption greater than 97% was observed when the incident angle increased from 0 to 60 degrees in the TM mode. Additionally, the approach in our work was further demonstrated by adding more resonant layers, making 3- and 4-layer structures. The results indicated that the absorption bandwidths of the 3- and 4-layer structures increased by 16% and 33%, respectively, compared to the bilayer structure. Furthermore, we analyzed the thermal distribution within the MA to understand the dissipation of absorbed electromagnetic energy. This research offers valuable insight into the augmented MA through a multilayer structure, presenting the implications for microwave applications like electromagnetic shielding, as well as in the design of MAs for terahertz devices and technologies, including emission and thermal imaging. These findings contribute to the advancement of knowledge in enhancing the absorption capabilities across various frequency ranges, expanding the potential applications of metamaterials. Full article
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18 pages, 5948 KiB  
Article
Using Planar Metamaterials to Design a Bidirectional Switching Functionality Absorber—An Ultra-Wideband Optical Absorber and Multi-Wavelength Resonant Absorber
by Shu-Han Liao, Chih-Hsuan Wang, Pei-Xiu Ke and Cheng-Fu Yang
Photonics 2024, 11(3), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11030199 - 23 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1147
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate a bidirectional switching functionality absorber, which exhibited an ultra-wideband characteristic in one direction, while in the other direction it demonstrated the absorption of three different resonant wavelengths (frequencies). The fully layered planar structure of the absorber consisted of [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate a bidirectional switching functionality absorber, which exhibited an ultra-wideband characteristic in one direction, while in the other direction it demonstrated the absorption of three different resonant wavelengths (frequencies). The fully layered planar structure of the absorber consisted of Al2O3, Zr, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), Zr, YSZ, Al, YSZ, and Al. The simulations were conducted using the COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation software (version 6.1) for analyses, and this study introduced three pivotal innovations. Firstly, there had been scarce exploration of YSZ and Zr as the materials for designing absorbers. The uses of YSZ and Zr in this context were a relatively uncharted territory, and our research endeavored to showcase their distinctive performance as absorber materials. Secondly, the development of a planar absorber with multifunctional characteristics was a rarity in the existing literature. This encompassed the integrations of an ultra-wideband optical absorber and the creation of a multi-wavelength resonant absorber featuring three resonant wavelengths. The design of such a multi-wavelength resonant absorber holds promise for diverse applications in optical detection and communication systems, presenting novel possibilities in related fields. Lastly, a notable discovery was demonstrated: a discernible redshift phenomenon in the wavelengths of the three resonant peaks when the thickness of YSZ, serving as the material of resonant absorber layer, was increased. Full article
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13 pages, 3326 KiB  
Article
Application of W-Doped VO2 Phase Transition Mechanism and Improvement of Hydrophobic Self-Cleaning Properties to Smart Windows
by Xiaoxian Song, Ze Xu, Dongdong Wei, Xuejie Yue, Tao Zhang, Haiting Zhang, Jingjing Zhang, Zijie Dai and Jianquan Yao
Photonics 2023, 10(11), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10111198 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1508
Abstract
A passive responsive smart window is an emerging energy-saving building facility that does not require an active energy supply due to its passive excitation characteristics, which can fundamentally reduce energy consumption. Therefore, achieving passive excitation is the key to the application of such [...] Read more.
A passive responsive smart window is an emerging energy-saving building facility that does not require an active energy supply due to its passive excitation characteristics, which can fundamentally reduce energy consumption. Therefore, achieving passive excitation is the key to the application of such smart windows. In this paper, VO2 is used as a critical raw material for the preparation of smart windows, and we researched the feasibility of its phase transition function and hydrophobic self-cleaning function. VO2 has the characteristic of undergoing a reversible phase transition between metal and insulator under certain temperature conditions and can selectively absorb spectrum at different wavelengths while still maintaining a certain visible light transmission rate, making it a reliable material for smart window applications. The one-step hydrothermal method was used in this work, and different concentrations of tungsten (W) elements were utilized for doping to reduce the VO2 phase transition temperature to 35 °C and even below, thus adapting to the ambient outdoor temperature of the building and enabling the smart window to achieve a combined solar modulation capability of 14.5%. To ensure the environmental adaptability and anti-fouling self-cleaning function of the smart window, as well as to extend the usage period of the smart window, we have modified the smart window material to be hydrophobic, resulting in an environmental surface contact angle of 152.93°, which is a significant hydrophobic improvement over the hydrophilic properties of inorganic glass itself. The realization of the ideal phase transition function and the self-cleaning function echoes the social trend of environmental protection, enriches the use of scenarios and achieves energy saving and emission reduction. Full article
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