Work

Metasurfaces and Metadevices for Topological Electromagnetic Waves

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Metamaterials and metasurfaces recently provided platforms for integrated and compact generation of structured light fields and nontrivial electromagnetic phenomena. Optical topologies refer to diverse topological localized structures made by different parameters in light fields, such as vortices, skyrmions, and hopfions. In this article, we navigate a direction combining the two emerging communities – meta‐devices for generation, manipulation and detection of novel topologies of light – which will be a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field across the studies in electromagnetic metamaterials and structured light. We start by a systematic review of optical topologies from low to high dimensions, and then focus on recent advances of metasurface‐based generation of these topological textures of light. In which, by clarifying the interplay between theoretical constructs and practical meta‐optical design, we aim to establish a cohesive framework that guides and inspires future research at the intersection of structured light and engineered matter. Finally, we conclude with a perspective on how topological‐light meta‐devices could revolutionize our information society.

Source: Advanced Physics Research

DOI: 10.1002/apxr.202500209

Authors: Rensheng Xie, Nilo Mata‐Cervera, Xi Xie, Yijie Shen

Institutions: Nanyang Technological University, Peng Cheng Laboratory, Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies

Language: English

Topic: Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690

Funders: China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Kementerian Pendidikan