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Review Article|10 Article(s)
Information metasurfaces and intelligent metasurfaces|Story Video
Qian Ma, Che Liu, Qiang Xiao, Ze Gu, Xinxin Gao, Lianlin Li, and Tie Jun Cui
Metamaterials and metasurfaces have inspired worldwide interest in the recent two decades due to their extraordinary performance in controlling material parameters and electromagnetic properties. However, most studies on metamaterials and metasurfaces are focused on manipulations of electromagnetic fields and waves, because of their analog natures. The concepts of digital coding and programmable metasurfaces proposed in 2014 have opened a new perspective to characterize and design metasurfaces in a digital way, and made it possible to control electromagnetic fields/waves and process digital information simultaneously, yielding the birth of a new direction of information metasurfaces. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) has become more important in automatic designs of metasurfaces. In this review paper, we first show the intrinsic natures and advantages of information metasurfaces, including information operations, programmable and real-time control capabilities, and space–time-coding strategies. Then we introduce the recent advances in designing metasurfaces using AI technologies, and particularly discuss the close combinations of information metasurfaces and AI to generate intelligent metasurfaces. We present self-adaptively smart metasurfaces, AI-based intelligent imagers, microwave cameras, and programmable AI machines based on optical neural networks. Finally, we indicate the challenges, applications, and future directions of information and intelligent metasurfaces. Metamaterials and metasurfaces have inspired worldwide interest in the recent two decades due to their extraordinary performance in controlling material parameters and electromagnetic properties. However, most studies on metamaterials and metasurfaces are focused on manipulations of electromagnetic fields and waves, because of their analog natures. The concepts of digital coding and programmable metasurfaces proposed in 2014 have opened a new perspective to characterize and design metasurfaces in a digital way, and made it possible to control electromagnetic fields/waves and process digital information simultaneously, yielding the birth of a new direction of information metasurfaces. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) has become more important in automatic designs of metasurfaces. In this review paper, we first show the intrinsic natures and advantages of information metasurfaces, including information operations, programmable and real-time control capabilities, and space–time-coding strategies. Then we introduce the recent advances in designing metasurfaces using AI technologies, and particularly discuss the close combinations of information metasurfaces and AI to generate intelligent metasurfaces. We present self-adaptively smart metasurfaces, AI-based intelligent imagers, microwave cameras, and programmable AI machines based on optical neural networks. Finally, we indicate the challenges, applications, and future directions of information and intelligent metasurfaces.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Aug. 03, 2022
- Vol. 1, Issue 1, R01 (2022)
Topological photonics in metamaterials|Story Video
Shaojie Ma, Biao Yang, and Shuang Zhang
Originally a pure mathematical concept, topology has been vigorously developed in various physical systems in recent years, and underlies many interesting phenomena such as the quantum Hall effect and quantum spin Hall effect. Its widespread influence in physics led the award of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics to this field. Topological photonics further expands the research field of topology to classical wave systems and holds promise for novel devices and applications, e.g., topological quantum computation and topological lasers. Here, we review recent developments in topological photonics but focus mainly on their realizations based on metamaterials. Through artificially designed resonant units, metamaterials provide vast degrees of freedom for realizing various topological states, e.g., the Weyl point, nodal line, Dirac point, topological insulator, and even the Yang monopole and Weyl surface in higher-dimensional synthetic spaces, wherein each specific topological nontrivial state endows novel metamaterial responses that originate from the feature of some high-energy physics. Originally a pure mathematical concept, topology has been vigorously developed in various physical systems in recent years, and underlies many interesting phenomena such as the quantum Hall effect and quantum spin Hall effect. Its widespread influence in physics led the award of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics to this field. Topological photonics further expands the research field of topology to classical wave systems and holds promise for novel devices and applications, e.g., topological quantum computation and topological lasers. Here, we review recent developments in topological photonics but focus mainly on their realizations based on metamaterials. Through artificially designed resonant units, metamaterials provide vast degrees of freedom for realizing various topological states, e.g., the Weyl point, nodal line, Dirac point, topological insulator, and even the Yang monopole and Weyl surface in higher-dimensional synthetic spaces, wherein each specific topological nontrivial state endows novel metamaterial responses that originate from the feature of some high-energy physics.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Aug. 03, 2022
- Vol. 1, Issue 1, R02 (2022)
Terahertz spin dynamics in rare-earth orthoferrites|Story Video , On the Cover
Xinwei Li, Dasom Kim, Yincheng Liu, and Junichiro Kono
Recent interest in developing fast spintronic devices and laser-controllable magnetic solids has sparked tremendous experimental and theoretical efforts to understand and manipulate ultrafast dynamics in materials. Studies of spin dynamics in the terahertz (THz) frequency range are particularly important for elucidating microscopic pathways toward novel device functionalities. Here, we review THz phenomena related to spin dynamics in rare-earth orthoferrites, a class of materials promising for antiferromagnetic spintronics. We expand this topic into a description of four key elements. (1) We start by describing THz spectroscopy of spin excitations for probing magnetic phase transitions in thermal equilibrium. While acoustic magnons are useful indicators of spin reorientation transitions, electromagnons that arise from dynamic magnetoelectric couplings serve as a signature of inversion-symmetry-breaking phases at low temperatures. (2) We then review the strong laser driving scenario, where the system is excited far from equilibrium and thereby subject to modifications to the free-energy landscape. Microscopic pathways for ultrafast laser manipulation of magnetic order are discussed. (3) Furthermore, we review a variety of protocols to manipulate coherent THz magnons in time and space, which are useful capabilities for antiferromagnetic spintronic applications. (4) Finally, new insights into the connection between dynamic magnetic coupling in condensed matter and the Dicke superradiant phase transition in quantum optics are provided. By presenting a review on an array of THz spin phenomena occurring in a single class of materials, we hope to trigger interdisciplinary efforts that actively seek connections between subfields of spintronics, which will facilitate the invention of new protocols of active spin control and quantum phase engineering. Recent interest in developing fast spintronic devices and laser-controllable magnetic solids has sparked tremendous experimental and theoretical efforts to understand and manipulate ultrafast dynamics in materials. Studies of spin dynamics in the terahertz (THz) frequency range are particularly important for elucidating microscopic pathways toward novel device functionalities. Here, we review THz phenomena related to spin dynamics in rare-earth orthoferrites, a class of materials promising for antiferromagnetic spintronics. We expand this topic into a description of four key elements. (1) We start by describing THz spectroscopy of spin excitations for probing magnetic phase transitions in thermal equilibrium. While acoustic magnons are useful indicators of spin reorientation transitions, electromagnons that arise from dynamic magnetoelectric couplings serve as a signature of inversion-symmetry-breaking phases at low temperatures. (2) We then review the strong laser driving scenario, where the system is excited far from equilibrium and thereby subject to modifications to the free-energy landscape. Microscopic pathways for ultrafast laser manipulation of magnetic order are discussed. (3) Furthermore, we review a variety of protocols to manipulate coherent THz magnons in time and space, which are useful capabilities for antiferromagnetic spintronic applications. (4) Finally, new insights into the connection between dynamic magnetic coupling in condensed matter and the Dicke superradiant phase transition in quantum optics are provided. By presenting a review on an array of THz spin phenomena occurring in a single class of materials, we hope to trigger interdisciplinary efforts that actively seek connections between subfields of spintronics, which will facilitate the invention of new protocols of active spin control and quantum phase engineering.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Jan. 18, 2023
- Vol. 1, Issue 2, R05 (2022)
Classical and generalized geometric phase in electromagnetic metasurfaces
Yinghui Guo, Mingbo Pu, Fei Zhang, Mingfeng Xu, Xiong Li, Xiaoliang Ma, and Xiangang Luo
The geometric phase concept has profound implications in many branches of physics, from condensed matter physics to quantum systems. Although geometric phase has a long research history, novel theories, devices, and applications are constantly emerging with developments going down to the subwavelength scale. Specifically, as one of the main approaches to implement gradient phase modulation along a thin interface, geometric phase metasurfaces composed of spatially rotated subwavelength artificial structures have been utilized to construct various thin and planar meta-devices. In this paper, we first give a simple overview of the development of geometric phase in optics. Then, we focus on recent advances in continuously shaped geometric phase metasurfaces, geometric–dynamic composite phase metasurfaces, and nonlinear and high-order linear Pancharatnam–Berry phase metasurfaces. Finally, conclusions and outlooks for future developments are presented. The geometric phase concept has profound implications in many branches of physics, from condensed matter physics to quantum systems. Although geometric phase has a long research history, novel theories, devices, and applications are constantly emerging with developments going down to the subwavelength scale. Specifically, as one of the main approaches to implement gradient phase modulation along a thin interface, geometric phase metasurfaces composed of spatially rotated subwavelength artificial structures have been utilized to construct various thin and planar meta-devices. In this paper, we first give a simple overview of the development of geometric phase in optics. Then, we focus on recent advances in continuously shaped geometric phase metasurfaces, geometric–dynamic composite phase metasurfaces, and nonlinear and high-order linear Pancharatnam–Berry phase metasurfaces. Finally, conclusions and outlooks for future developments are presented.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Aug. 03, 2022
- Vol. 1, Issue 1, R03 (2022)
Microcavity exciton polaritons at room temperature|Story Video , On the Cover
Sanjib Ghosh, Rui Su, Jiaxin Zhao, Antonio Fieramosca, Jinqi Wu, Tengfei Li, Qing Zhang, Feng Li, Zhanghai Chen, Timothy Liew, Daniele Sanvitto, and Qihua Xiong
The quest for realizing novel fundamental physical effects and practical applications in ambient conditions has led to tremendous interest in microcavity exciton polaritons working in the strong coupling regime at room temperature. In the past few decades, a wide range of novel semiconductor systems supporting robust exciton polaritons have emerged, which has led to the realization of various fascinating phenomena and practical applications. This paper aims to review recent theoretical and experimental developments of exciton polaritons operating at room temperature, and includes a comprehensive theoretical background, descriptions of intriguing phenomena observed in various physical systems, as well as accounts of optoelectronic applications. Specifically, an in-depth review of physical systems achieving room temperature exciton polaritons will be presented, including the early development of ZnO and GaN microcavities and other emerging systems such as organics, halide perovskite semiconductors, carbon nanotubes, and transition metal dichalcogenides. Finally, a perspective of outlooking future developments will be elaborated. The quest for realizing novel fundamental physical effects and practical applications in ambient conditions has led to tremendous interest in microcavity exciton polaritons working in the strong coupling regime at room temperature. In the past few decades, a wide range of novel semiconductor systems supporting robust exciton polaritons have emerged, which has led to the realization of various fascinating phenomena and practical applications. This paper aims to review recent theoretical and experimental developments of exciton polaritons operating at room temperature, and includes a comprehensive theoretical background, descriptions of intriguing phenomena observed in various physical systems, as well as accounts of optoelectronic applications. Specifically, an in-depth review of physical systems achieving room temperature exciton polaritons will be presented, including the early development of ZnO and GaN microcavities and other emerging systems such as organics, halide perovskite semiconductors, carbon nanotubes, and transition metal dichalcogenides. Finally, a perspective of outlooking future developments will be elaborated.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Aug. 03, 2022
- Vol. 1, Issue 1, R04 (2022)
Optical quantum states based on hot atomic ensembles and their applications|Story Video
Kai Zhang, Shengshuai Liu, Yingxuan Chen, Xutong Wang, and Jietai Jing
The four-wave mixing process in atomic ensembles has many important applications in quantum information. We review recent progress on the generation of optical quantum states from the four-wave mixing process in hot atomic ensembles, including the production of two-beam, multi-beam, and multiplexed quantum correlated or entangled states. We also review the applications of these optical quantum states in implementing quantum information protocols, constructing SU(1,1) quantum interferometers, and realizing quantum plasmonic sensing. These applications indicate that the four-wave mixing process in hot atomic ensembles is a promising platform for quantum information processing, especially for implementing all-optical quantum information protocols, constructing SU(1,1) interferometers, and realizing quantum sensing. The four-wave mixing process in atomic ensembles has many important applications in quantum information. We review recent progress on the generation of optical quantum states from the four-wave mixing process in hot atomic ensembles, including the production of two-beam, multi-beam, and multiplexed quantum correlated or entangled states. We also review the applications of these optical quantum states in implementing quantum information protocols, constructing SU(1,1) quantum interferometers, and realizing quantum plasmonic sensing. These applications indicate that the four-wave mixing process in hot atomic ensembles is a promising platform for quantum information processing, especially for implementing all-optical quantum information protocols, constructing SU(1,1) interferometers, and realizing quantum sensing.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Dec. 24, 2022
- Vol. 1, Issue 2, R06 (2022)
Epitaxial quantum dots: a semiconductor launchpad for photonic quantum technologies
Xiaoyan Zhou, Liang Zhai, and Jin Liu
Epitaxial quantum dots formed by III–V compound semiconductors are excellent sources of non-classical photons, creating single photons and entangled multi-photon states on demand. Their semiconductor nature allows for a straightforward combination with mature integrated photonic technologies, leading to novel functional devices at the single-photon level. Integrating a quantum dot into a carefully engineered photonic cavity enables control of the radiative decay rate using the Purcell effect and the realization of photon–photon nonlinear gates. In this review, we introduce the basis of epitaxial quantum dots and discuss their applications as non-classical light sources. We highlight two interfaces—one between flying photons and the quantum-dot dipole, and the other between the photons and the spin. We summarize the recent development of integrated photonics and reconfigurable devices that have been combined with quantum dots or are suitable for hybrid integration. Finally, we provide an outlook of employing quantum-dot platforms for practical applications in large-scale quantum computation and the quantum Internet. Epitaxial quantum dots formed by III–V compound semiconductors are excellent sources of non-classical photons, creating single photons and entangled multi-photon states on demand. Their semiconductor nature allows for a straightforward combination with mature integrated photonic technologies, leading to novel functional devices at the single-photon level. Integrating a quantum dot into a carefully engineered photonic cavity enables control of the radiative decay rate using the Purcell effect and the realization of photon–photon nonlinear gates. In this review, we introduce the basis of epitaxial quantum dots and discuss their applications as non-classical light sources. We highlight two interfaces—one between flying photons and the quantum-dot dipole, and the other between the photons and the spin. We summarize the recent development of integrated photonics and reconfigurable devices that have been combined with quantum dots or are suitable for hybrid integration. Finally, we provide an outlook of employing quantum-dot platforms for practical applications in large-scale quantum computation and the quantum Internet.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Jan. 18, 2023
- Vol. 1, Issue 2, R07 (2022)
Revolutionary meta-imaging: from superlens to metalens
Tao Li, Chen Chen, Xingjian Xiao, Ji Chen, Shanshan Hu, and Shining Zhu
The refractive-lens technique has been well developed over a long period of evolution, offering powerful imaging functionalities, such as microscopes, telescopes, and spectroscopes. Nevertheless, the ever-growing requirements continue to urge further enhanced imaging capabilities and upgraded devices that are more compact for convenience. Metamaterial as a fascinating concept has inspired unprecedented new explorations in physics, material science, and optics, not only in fundamental researches but also novel applications. Along with the imaging topic, this paper reviews the progress of the flat lens as an important branch of metamaterials, covering the early superlens with super-diffraction capability and current hot topics of metalenses including a paralleled strategy of multilevel diffractive lenses. Numerous efforts and approaches have been dedicated to areas ranging from the new fascinating physics to feasible applications. This review provides a clear picture of the flat-lens evolution from the perspective of metamaterial design, elucidating the relation and comparison between a superlens and metalens, and addressing derivative designs. Finally, application scenarios that favor the ultrathin lens technique are emphasized with respect to possible revolutionary imaging devices, followed by conclusive remarks and prospects. The refractive-lens technique has been well developed over a long period of evolution, offering powerful imaging functionalities, such as microscopes, telescopes, and spectroscopes. Nevertheless, the ever-growing requirements continue to urge further enhanced imaging capabilities and upgraded devices that are more compact for convenience. Metamaterial as a fascinating concept has inspired unprecedented new explorations in physics, material science, and optics, not only in fundamental researches but also novel applications. Along with the imaging topic, this paper reviews the progress of the flat lens as an important branch of metamaterials, covering the early superlens with super-diffraction capability and current hot topics of metalenses including a paralleled strategy of multilevel diffractive lenses. Numerous efforts and approaches have been dedicated to areas ranging from the new fascinating physics to feasible applications. This review provides a clear picture of the flat-lens evolution from the perspective of metamaterial design, elucidating the relation and comparison between a superlens and metalens, and addressing derivative designs. Finally, application scenarios that favor the ultrathin lens technique are emphasized with respect to possible revolutionary imaging devices, followed by conclusive remarks and prospects.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Mar. 31, 2023
- Vol. 2, Issue 1, R01 (2023)
Optical properties and polaritons of low symmetry 2D materials
Shenyang Huang, Chong Wang, Yuangang Xie, Boyang Yu, and Hugen Yan
Low symmetry 2D materials with intrinsic in-plane anisotropic optical properties and high tunability provide a promising platform to explore and manipulate light–matter interactions. To date, dozens of in-plane anisotropic 2D materials with diverse band structures have been discovered. They exhibit rich optical properties, indicating great potential for novel applications in optics, photonics, and optoelectronics. In this paper, we thoroughly review the anisotropic optical properties and polaritons in many kinds of low symmetry 2D materials, aiming to elicit more research interest in this field. First, the optical properties of anisotropic 2D semiconductors, including interband absorption, photoluminescence, excitons, and band structure engineering for tuning optical responses, are introduced. Then fundamentals and advances in experiments of hyperbolic polaritons in anisotropic 2D materials, including phonon, plasmon, and exciton polaritons, are discussed. Finally, a perspective on promising research directions is given. Low symmetry 2D materials with intrinsic in-plane anisotropic optical properties and high tunability provide a promising platform to explore and manipulate light–matter interactions. To date, dozens of in-plane anisotropic 2D materials with diverse band structures have been discovered. They exhibit rich optical properties, indicating great potential for novel applications in optics, photonics, and optoelectronics. In this paper, we thoroughly review the anisotropic optical properties and polaritons in many kinds of low symmetry 2D materials, aiming to elicit more research interest in this field. First, the optical properties of anisotropic 2D semiconductors, including interband absorption, photoluminescence, excitons, and band structure engineering for tuning optical responses, are introduced. Then fundamentals and advances in experiments of hyperbolic polaritons in anisotropic 2D materials, including phonon, plasmon, and exciton polaritons, are discussed. Finally, a perspective on promising research directions is given.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Mar. 31, 2023
- Vol. 2, Issue 1, R03 (2023)
Meta-optics inspired surface plasmon devices
Quan Xu, Yuanhao Lang, Xiaohan Jiang, Xinyao Yuan, Yuehong Xu, Jianqiang Gu, Zhen Tian, Chunmei Ouyang, Xueqian Zhang, Jiaguang Han, and Weili Zhang
Surface plasmons (SPs) are electromagnetic surface waves that propagate at the interface between a conductor and a dielectric. Due to their unique ability to concentrate light on two-dimensional platforms and produce very high local-field intensity, SPs have rapidly fueled a variety of fundamental advances and practical applications. In parallel, the development of metamaterials and metasurfaces has rapidly revolutionized the design concepts of traditional optical devices, fostering the exciting field of meta-optics. This review focuses on recent progress of meta-optics inspired SP devices, which are implemented by the careful design of subwavelength structures and the arrangement of their spatial distributions. Devices of general interest, including coupling devices, on-chip tailoring devices, and decoupling devices, as well as nascent SP applications empowered by sophisticated usage of meta-optics, are introduced and discussed. Surface plasmons (SPs) are electromagnetic surface waves that propagate at the interface between a conductor and a dielectric. Due to their unique ability to concentrate light on two-dimensional platforms and produce very high local-field intensity, SPs have rapidly fueled a variety of fundamental advances and practical applications. In parallel, the development of metamaterials and metasurfaces has rapidly revolutionized the design concepts of traditional optical devices, fostering the exciting field of meta-optics. This review focuses on recent progress of meta-optics inspired SP devices, which are implemented by the careful design of subwavelength structures and the arrangement of their spatial distributions. Devices of general interest, including coupling devices, on-chip tailoring devices, and decoupling devices, as well as nascent SP applications empowered by sophisticated usage of meta-optics, are introduced and discussed.
Photonics Insights
- Publication Date: Mar. 31, 2023
- Vol. 2, Issue 1, R02 (2023)
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