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3D printing technologies for metasurface fabrication and applications of metasurfaces manufactured by 3D printing processes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Metamaterials are artificial materials engineered to possess extraordinary properties, while metasurfaces represent their two-dimensional counterparts, capable of freely defining desired amplitude, phase, and polarization responses. Metasurfaces exhibit significant potential for miniaturizing, integrating, and multifunctionalizing optical devices. However, traditional micro-nano fabrication techniques face bottlenecks such as difficulties in manufacturing complex three-dimensional structures, poor material compatibility, high costs, and limited functionality. In recent times, the swift progress of 3D printing technology has sparked interest in its utilization for metasurface manufacturing. Noticing its characteristics of free-form fabrication design, multi-material integrated manufacturing, and programmable dynamic structures, 3D printing endows metasurfaces with high precision, low cost, and reconfigurable functionality, establishing it as a core pathway for next-generation metasurface production. This article reviews various 3D printing technologies applicable for fabricating metasurface devices and categorically introduces three application domains of metasurfaces prepared via these technologies. First, it presents the concepts of metamaterials and metasurfaces, as well as the merits of 3D-printed metasurfaces. Second, it elaborates on the characteristics, strengths, and applications of two-photon 3D printing, inkjet printing, and material extrusion 3D printing. Then, it classifies and discusses metasurfaces fabricated using 3D printing for three key application areas: singular beam generation, metasurface invisibility cloaks, and metasurface antennas. Finally, we give a summary and evaluation of 3D-printed metasurfaces.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0302526

Authors: Chunye Jiang, Manna Gu, Huizhen Feng, Ying Tian, Xufeng Jing

Institution: China Jiliang University

Language: English

Topic: Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China