Nanophotonics: a more efficient way of coupling light and matter

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In the nanometer range (billionth of a meter), interactions occur between light and matter that do not happen on larger scales. As such, so-called nanophotonic materials have unique optical properties that open up a whole range of technical possibilities. Researchers led by Andreas Tittl, Professor of Experimental Physics at LMU, have now developed a method that permits the manufacture of extremely thin optical components that react strongly to even comparatively weak light. “In the future, these thin components could pave the way for tiny, more sensitive sensors, more energy-efficient computer components, and faster optical communication,” says Tittl. The team has reported on their method in the journal Nature Photonics.
The nanophotonic materials used are based on so-called metasurfaces, which have regular patterns that are generally smaller than the wavelengths of light. Photonic resonator is the name given to these tiny structures in the nanometer range, which are capable of altering the amplitude, phase, and polarization of incident electromagnetic waves, including light. With suitable metasurfaces, therefore, it is possible to precisely control – to store, say, or amplify or extinguish – light beams.

Read the full LMU press release.