Nanometric Surficial Reflectors: Achieving High‐Performance and High‐Throughput Structural Coloration Through Modulation‐Assisted Machining
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Structural coloration, which generates color through physical structures, has broad applications but often faces challenges in achieving high color performance while being scalable for mass production. In this study, a novel single-layer wavelength-selective reflector capable of producing a broad color gamut with local angle independence is introduced, fabricated using a modulation-assisted ultra-precision machining process. The structure features multi-level submicron steps that sequentially filter light of different wavelengths, overcoming the limitations of conventional periodic structures that suffer from narrow color gamut and angle-dependent color shifts. This approach integrates a purely mechanical machining process, shaping reflectors in a single step using a precisely controlled modulation trajectory. This enables efficient, scalable fabrication while preserving the desired structural characteristics at the nanoscale. Color performance comparable to the sRGB space is demonstrated and full-color images are successfully rendered on metallic surfaces. The proposed reflector design provides a new pathway to scalable production of vibrant, angle-independent structural colors with potential applications in anti-counterfeiting, data storage, and high-quality coloration.
Source: Advanced Science
Authors: Yaoke Wang, Malachi Landis, Ping Guo
Institution: Northwestern University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
OpenAlex ID: W4415946807