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Photonics
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Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications
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Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 4741

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Feng Cheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: metamaterials; machine learning; nanophotonics; plasmonics; optics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yao Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Vaziri Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
Interests: two-photon microscopy; femtosecond laser; signal processing; laser surgery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past two decades, photonic metamaterials have rapidly emerged as a transformative technology with their ability to manipulate light at subwavelength scales, having the unique ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves in ways not possible with conventional materials. Their tailored optical properties include enhanced light–matter interactions, negative refraction, superlensing, and optical chirality. These unique features make metamaterials suitable for a wide range of applications, such as including imaging, sensing, and energy harvesting. The versatility of metamaterials enables the design of novel devices with unprecedented performance, offering opportunities for breakthroughs in both fundamental research and practical applications.

In this Special Issue, we aim to highlight recent advances in the processing techniques, manufacturing methods, and real-world applications of photonic metamaterials, pushing the boundaries of fundamental research and industrial application. We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies from researchers, academicians, and industry experts.

Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Nanofabrication techniques for metamaterials;
  • Metamaterials for optical sensing and imaging;
  • Metamaterials for VR/AR optical systems;
  • Machine learning and AI methods in metamaterials;
  • Dynamical metamaterials for real-time control.

Dr. Feng Cheng
Dr. Yao Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • metamaterials
  • nanofabrication
  • plasmonics
  • photonic device
  • imaging

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3191 KiB  
Article
Wide-Angle, Polarization-Independent Broadband Metamaterial Absorber by Using Plasmonic Metasurface-Based Split-Circular Structure
by Thanh Son Pham, Bui Xuan Khuyen, Vu Dinh Lam, Liangyao Chen and Youngpak Lee
Photonics 2025, 12(4), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040334 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Absorption of electromagnetic waves in a broadband frequency range with polarization insensitivity and wide incidence angles is greatly needed in modern technological applications. Many methods using metamaterials have been suggested to address this requirement; they can be complex multilayer structures or use external [...] Read more.
Absorption of electromagnetic waves in a broadband frequency range with polarization insensitivity and wide incidence angles is greatly needed in modern technological applications. Many methods using metamaterials have been suggested to address this requirement; they can be complex multilayer structures or use external electronic components. In this paper, we present a plasmonic metasurface structure that was simply fabricated using the standard printed circuit board technique but provided a high absorption above 90%, also covering a broadband frequency range from 12.30 to 14.80 GHz. This plasmonic metasurface consisted of structural unit cells composed of multiple split rings connected by a copper bar. Analysis, simulation, and measurement results showed that the metasurface also showed polarization-insensitive properties and maintained an absorption above 90% at incident angles up to 45 degrees. The suggested plasmonic metasurface is a fundamental design that can also be used to design the absorber in different frequency ranges and is able to adapt well to being fabricated at various scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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12 pages, 3479 KiB  
Communication
Compact Reflective Metasurface: Production of Broadband Vortex Beams in Millimeter Waves
by Asad Khan, Jinling Zhang, Muhammad Ishfaq, Ibrar Ahmad, Shahbaz Khan and Kamlesh Kumar Soothar
Photonics 2025, 12(4), 305; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040305 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 169
Abstract
A low-profile reflectarray has been designed in the Ka-band to efficiently generate wideband orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex beams. The proposed design employs a reflective phase-shifting patch etched onto a dielectric substrate, featuring a three-square loop structure intersected by two transverse dipoles. This [...] Read more.
A low-profile reflectarray has been designed in the Ka-band to efficiently generate wideband orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex beams. The proposed design employs a reflective phase-shifting patch etched onto a dielectric substrate, featuring a three-square loop structure intersected by two transverse dipoles. This unit cell achieves a 440° phase shift at 30 GHz with a minimal magnitude loss of (−0.25 dB), enabling high-efficiency reflectarray performance. The OAM vortex beam supports high-order phase distributions (l=+1,+2,+3,+4) modes, though fabrication and experimental validation focused on the +1 mode. Measurements confirm that the reflectarray produces a high-purity OAM vortex beam for +1 mode, covering the operational frequency range from 27 to 39 GHz, and achieving a 40% bandwidth with a peak gain of 23.39 dBi at 33 GHz and an aperture efficiency of 17.38%. These results demonstrate the ability of the reflectarray to produce broadband directive OAM beams with robust performance, making it ideal for Ka-band communication systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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14 pages, 23722 KiB  
Article
Optoplasmonics of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Thin Films
by Chandra Mani Adhikari
Photonics 2025, 12(4), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040298 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 251
Abstract
An ultrathin film capable of exhibiting material properties across and around two different dimensions by bridging two-dimensionality frameworks, called a trans-dimensional (TD) material, can be an exceptional tool to tune various electronic and optoplasmonic properties of a system that are unattainable from either [...] Read more.
An ultrathin film capable of exhibiting material properties across and around two different dimensions by bridging two-dimensionality frameworks, called a trans-dimensional (TD) material, can be an exceptional tool to tune various electronic and optoplasmonic properties of a system that are unattainable from either dimension. Taking an example of the planar periodic arrangement of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) TD films, we semi-analytically calculated their dynamical conductivities and dielectric responses as a function of the incident photon frequency and the SWCNT’s radius using the many-particles Green’s function formalism within the Matsubara frequency technique. The periodic array of SWCNTs has an anisotropic dielectric response, which is almost a constant and the same as that of the host dielectric medium in the perpendicular direction of the alignment of the SWCNT array due to the depolarization effect that SWCNTs have. However, the dielectric response functions depend on the incident photon energy in addition to the film’s thickness, the SWCNT’s sparseness, inhomogeneity, and the SWCNT’s diameter. The energy difference between the resonant absorption peak and the plasmonic peak varies with the thickness of the film. Varying the length of the CNTs, we also observed that the exciton–plasmon coupling strength increases with the increase in length of the SWCNTs. The metallic SWCNT-containing films have comparatively pronounced plasmon resonance peaks at low photon energy than semiconducting SWCNT-containing films. Both metallic and semiconducting SWCNT-consisting films have negative refraction for a wide range of energy, making them good candidates for metamaterials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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13 pages, 3606 KiB  
Article
A High-Sensitivity Graphene Metasurface and Four-Frequency Switch Application Based on Plasmon-Induced Transparency Effects
by Aijun Zhu, Mengyi Zhang, Weigang Hou, Lei Cheng, Cong Hu and Chuanpei Xu
Photonics 2025, 12(3), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12030218 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
In this paper, we propose the use of a monolayer graphene metasurface to achieve various excellent functions, such as sensing, slow light, and optical switching through the phenomenon of plasmon-induced transparency (PIT). The designed structure of the metasurface consists of a diamond-shaped cross [...] Read more.
In this paper, we propose the use of a monolayer graphene metasurface to achieve various excellent functions, such as sensing, slow light, and optical switching through the phenomenon of plasmon-induced transparency (PIT). The designed structure of the metasurface consists of a diamond-shaped cross and a pentagon graphene resonator. We conducted an analysis of the electric field distribution and utilized Lorentz resonance theory to study the PIT window that is generated by the coupling of bright-bright modes. Additionally, by adjusting the Fermi level of graphene, we were able to achieve tunable dual frequency switching modulators. Furthermore, the metasurface also demonstrates exceptional sensing performance, with sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) reaching values of 3.70 THz/RIU (refractive index unit) and 22.40 RIU-1, respectively. As a result, our numerical findings hold significant guiding significance for the design of outstanding terahertz sensors and photonic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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16 pages, 3941 KiB  
Article
Design of a Tunable Metamaterial Absorption Device with an Absorption Band Covering the Mid-Infrared Atmospheric Window
by Zongliang He, Dong Fang and Yougen Yi
Photonics 2025, 12(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12020148 - 12 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 528
Abstract
We propose a highly efficient broadband tunable metamaterial infrared absorption device. The design is modeled using the three-dimensional finite element method for the absorption device. The results show that the absorption device captures over 90% of the light in the wavelength range from [...] Read more.
We propose a highly efficient broadband tunable metamaterial infrared absorption device. The design is modeled using the three-dimensional finite element method for the absorption device. The results show that the absorption device captures over 90% of the light in the wavelength range from 6.10 μm to 17.42 μm. We utilize VO2’s phase change property to adjust the absorption device, allowing the average absorption level to vary between 20.61% and 94.88%. In this study, we analyze the electromagnetic field distribution of the absorption device at its peak absorption point and find that the high absorption is achieved through both surface plasmon resonance and Fabry–Perot cavity resonance. The structural parameters of the absorption device are fine-tuned through parameter scanning. By comparing our work with previous studies, we demonstrate the superior performance of our design. Additionally, we investigate the polarization angle and incident angle of the absorption device and show that it is highly insensitive to these factors. Importantly, the simple structure of our absorption device broadens its potential uses in photodetection, electromagnetic stealth, and sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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11 pages, 6125 KiB  
Communication
Localized Effects in Graphene Oxide Systems: A Pathway to Hyperbolic Metamaterials
by Grazia Giuseppina Politano
Photonics 2025, 12(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12020121 - 29 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 712
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a carbon-based nanomaterial providing a different pathway to graphene. One of its most notable features is the ability to partially reduce it, resulting in graphene-like sheets through the elimination of oxygen-including functional groups. In this paper, the [...] Read more.
Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a carbon-based nanomaterial providing a different pathway to graphene. One of its most notable features is the ability to partially reduce it, resulting in graphene-like sheets through the elimination of oxygen-including functional groups. In this paper, the effect of localized interactions in an Ag/GO/Au multilayer system was studied to explore its potential for photonic applications. GO was dip-coated onto magnetron-sputtered silver, followed by the deposition of a thin gold film to form an Ag/GO/Au structure. Micro-Raman Spectroscopy, SEM and Variable Angle Ellipsometry (VASE) measurements were performed on the Ag/GO/Au structure. An interesting behavior of the GO deposited on magnetron-sputtered silver with the formation of Ag nanostructures on top of the GO layer is reported. In addition to typical GO bands, Micro-Raman analysis reveals peaks such as the 1478 cm−1 band, indicating a transition from sp3 to sp2 hybridization, confirming the partial reduction of GO. Additionally, calculations based on effective medium theory (EMT) highlight the potential of Ag/GO structures in hyperbolic metamaterials for photonics. The medium exhibits dielectric behavior up to 323 nm, transitions to type I HMM between 323 and 400 nm and undergoes an Epsilon Near Zero and Pole (ENZP) transition at 400 nm, followed by type II HMM behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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Review

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19 pages, 1403 KiB  
Review
Nonlinear Dielectric Metasurfaces for Terahertz Applications
by Forouzan Habibighahfarokhi, Olga Sergaeva, Luca Carletti, Paolo Franceschini, Andrea Tognazzi, Andrea Locatelli, Unai Arregui Leon, Giuseppe Della Valle, Costantino De Angelis and Davide Rocco
Photonics 2025, 12(4), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12040370 - 12 Apr 2025
Viewed by 184
Abstract
The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, spanning from 0.1 to 30 THz, represents a prospering area in photonics, with transformative applications in imaging, communications, and material analysis. However, the development of efficient and compact THz sources has long been hampered by [...] Read more.
The terahertz (THz) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, spanning from 0.1 to 30 THz, represents a prospering area in photonics, with transformative applications in imaging, communications, and material analysis. However, the development of efficient and compact THz sources has long been hampered by intrinsic material limitations, inefficient conversion processes, and complex phase-matching requirements. Recent breakthroughs in nonlinear optical mechanisms, resonant metasurface engineering, and advances in the fabrication processes for materials such as lithium niobate (LN) and aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) have paved the way for innovative THz generation techniques. This review article explores the latest theoretical advances, together with key experimental results and outlines perspectives for future developments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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17 pages, 4369 KiB  
Review
Metasurface-Enabled Microphotonic Biosensors via BIC Modes
by Francesco Dell’Olio
Photonics 2025, 12(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12010048 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
Photonic biosensors based on bound states in the continuum (BIC) resonant modes exhibit a transformative potential for high-sensitivity, label-free detection across various diagnostic applications. BIC-enabled metasurfaces, utilizing dielectric, plasmonic, and hybrid structures, achieve ultra-high Q-factors and amplify target molecule interactions on functionalized sensor [...] Read more.
Photonic biosensors based on bound states in the continuum (BIC) resonant modes exhibit a transformative potential for high-sensitivity, label-free detection across various diagnostic applications. BIC-enabled metasurfaces, utilizing dielectric, plasmonic, and hybrid structures, achieve ultra-high Q-factors and amplify target molecule interactions on functionalized sensor surfaces. These unique properties result in increased refractive index sensitivity and low detection limits, essential for monitoring biomolecules in clinical diagnostics, environmental analysis, and food safety. Recent advancements in BIC-enabled metasurfaces have demonstrated ultra-low detection limits in the zeptomolar range, making these devices highly promising for real-world applications. This review paper critically discusses the design principles of BIC-based biosensors, emphasizing key factors such as material selection, structural asymmetry, and functionalization strategies that enhance both sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, recent advancements in fabrication techniques that enable precise BIC control with scalable approaches for practical biosensing applications are examined. Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of BIC metasurfaces for real-time, low-concentration detection, highlighting their versatility and adaptability. Finally, the review discusses future challenges and opportunities, such as integration with microfluidics for point-of-care testing and multiplexed sensing, underscoring the potential of BIC-based platforms to revolutionize the field of biosensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonics Metamaterials: Processing and Applications)
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