Zeitschrift für Laser, Optik und Photonik

Metasurfaces in Laser Optics: Shaping Light at the Nanoscale

Abstract

Jorge Lewis*

The manipulation and control of light have been at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements for centuries. In recent years, a groundbreaking technology has emerged - metasurfaces. These nanoscale structures have revolutionized laser optics by enabling precise control over the properties of light, such as its phase, amplitude, and polarization. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of metasurfaces, delving into their principles, design strategies, applications, and the transformative impact they have had on laser optics. Metasurfaces are twodimensional arrays of subwavelength optical elements that interact with light at the nanoscale. These optical elements are typically nanoantennas, nanoresonators, or other nanostructures designed to manipulate the properties of light. Metasurfaces work by controlling the phase, amplitude, and polarization of incident light through strong light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. They can be engineered to create specific optical effects, making them powerful tools for shaping light. Metasurfaces can be designed with phaseshifters, which introduce specific phase delays to incident light, and resonators, which enhance light-matter interactions. The precise arrangement and geometry of these elements dictate the behavior of the metasurface.