Space-time meta-surfaces for light waves

Lead Research Organisation: Imperial College London
Department Name: Physics

Abstract

In this project we propose experiments to develop the building blocks of a space-time metasurface for optical waves, based on large and ultrafast modulations of the complex refractive index of indium tin oxide (ITO). Static metasurfaces have been a milestone in how we control light waves by manipulating their phase and amplitude on the wavelength scale. Yet, they are still bounded by Lorentz reciprocity and energy conservation. A dynamical metasurface, whose optical response can be fully controlled at the speed of light through a time-varying refractive index, n(x,t), would not be just a powerful technological element, but would also bring about the rich new physics of non-Hermitian and non-time-reversible optics.

Publications

10 25 50
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Bruno V. (2021) Negative refraction in time-varying, strongly-coupled plasmonic antenna-ENZ systems in International Conference on Metamaterials, Photonic Crystals and Plasmonics

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Galiffi E (2022) Photonics of time-varying media in Advanced Photonics

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Sapienza R (2023) APL special topic: Time modulated metamaterials in Applied Physics Letters

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Tirole R (2023) Double-slit time diffraction at optical frequencies in Nature Physics

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Tirole R (2024) Nonlinear Dielectric Epsilon Near-Zero Hybrid Nanogap Antennas in Advanced Optical Materials

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Zotev P (2023) Van der Waals Materials for Applications in Nanophotonics in Laser & Photonics Reviews

 
Description We have studied time-varying metamaterials and how their properties can be controlled by external modulation. This has led to various scientific outputs and a large consortium has been gathered now in the process to apply for further funding. We have show the temporal analogue of temporal diffraction, which has open many new research directions. We are about to start a programme grant on this topic
Exploitation Route We plan to develop new generation metamaterials, capable of controlling the frequency of the waves (optical for us but not limited to that) interacting with them. This research will benefit a broad range of researchers, from material science, to nanophotonics, to optical material engineering.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software)

Energy

URL https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/244037/double-slit-experiment-that-proved-wave-nature/
 
Description We are participating in the day of light celebration, producing outreach and societal engagement.
First Year Of Impact 2022
Sector Education
Impact Types Cultural

 
Description Next generation metamaterials: exploiting four dimensions
Amount £7,731,660 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/Y015673/1 
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2024 
End 03/2029
 
Description conference Waves in time-varying media 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact https://asrc.gc.cuny.edu/photonics/events/waves-in-time-varying-media-workshop/

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/events/131843/waves-in-time-varying-media-workshop-series/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2023
URL https://www.imperial.ac.uk/events/131843/waves-in-time-varying-media-workshop-series/