ETH lenses with nanostructures open up a large field of technology

(CONNECT) Physicists at ETH have developed “a kind of magic lens”, according to a report from the university. Unlike conventional lenses, they are not curved but flat. According to the data, they can be around 40 times thinner than a human hair. Even tinier nanostructures are stamped into these tiny meta-lenses, which deflect the light on the surface. This allows the researchers to greatly miniaturize the lenses.

If these nanostructures of the meta-lenses are now provided with special materials such as the metal oxide lithium niobate, they can also halve the wavelength of the light. In one study, for example, light was converted from one color to another using non-linear optics. For example, if the researchers send infrared light with a wavelength of 800 nanometers through the meta-lens, visible light with a wavelength of 400 nanometers emerges on the other side, which is focused on a defined focal point.

The “magic of light conversion” is not limited to a specific laser wavelength, says Rachel Grange, Professor at the ETH Instituteof Quantum Electronics. Her team's study has just been published in the journal “Advanced Materials”. According to the information provided, the new method is even suitable for mass production.

According to ETH, conceivable applications include forgery-proof banknotes and works of art, new microscopy and the simplification of large UV lithography machines for the production of semiconductors. However, the research field is still young, emphasizes Grange: “We have only just begun to grasp the potential of this technology field and are excited to see what impact this cost-effective process will have in the future.” ce/mm