Advances in Metasurfaces: Novel Designs and Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 2132

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Optoelectronic Technology, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
Interests: metasurface; novel optical devices; metadevices; advanced material applications
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores cutting-edge developments in the rapidly evolving field of metasurfaces—ultrathin, planar arrays of subwavelength meta-atoms designed to precisely manipulate electromagnetic waves. It focuses on novel design methodologies, including advanced computational techniques (topology optimization, inverse design, and machine learning), innovative meta-atom geometries and material compositions (dielectrics, semiconductors, 2D materials, and tunable materials), and strategies for achieving multi-functionality, extreme bandwidth, or high efficiency. Crucially, this Special Issue emphasizes emerging and transformative applications enabled by these design advances. Key areas covered include next-generation flat optics (ultra-compact lenses, holographic displays, and polarization control), enhanced imaging and sensing systems (LiDAR, biosensors, and spectroscopy), advancements in optical communications (multiplexing and beam steering), novel antenna technologies, efficient light harvesting and emission control, and the development of active, tunable, or reconfigurable metasurfaces for dynamic wavefront shaping. Contributions highlight both theoretical breakthroughs and experimental demonstrations, showcasing how novel metasurface designs are pushing the boundaries of photonics and opening unprecedented possibilities across diverse technological domains, from augmented reality and telecommunications to biomedical diagnostics and energy harvesting.

Dr. Chenxia Li
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • metasurfaces
  • metamaterials
  • flat optics
  • wavefront shaping
  • nanophotonics
  • unit cell design
  • nanofabrication
  • holography
  • optical sensors
  • reconfigurable metasurfaces (or active metasurfaces)

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

45 pages, 6118 KB  
Review
Research Progress on Tunable Absorbers for Various Wavelengths Based on Metasurfaces
by Ke Jiang, Huizhen Feng, Manna Gu, Xufeng Jing and Chenxia Li
Photonics 2025, 12(10), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12100968 - 29 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1944
Abstract
In complex electromagnetic environments, traditional static absorbers struggle to meet dynamic control requirements. Tunable absorbers based on metasurfaces have emerged as a research hotspot due to their ability to flexibly control electromagnetic wave properties. This paper provides a systematic review of research progress [...] Read more.
In complex electromagnetic environments, traditional static absorbers struggle to meet dynamic control requirements. Tunable absorbers based on metasurfaces have emerged as a research hotspot due to their ability to flexibly control electromagnetic wave properties. This paper provides a systematic review of research progress in tunable absorbers across the microwave, terahertz, and infrared bands, with a focus on analyzing the physical mechanisms, material systems, and performance characteristics of five dynamic control methods: electrical control, magnetic control, optical control, temperature control, and mechanical control. Electrical control achieves rapid response through materials such as graphene and varactor diodes; magnetic control utilizes ferrites and other materials for stable tuning; optical control relies on photosensitive materials for ultrafast switching; temperature control employs phase-change materials for large-range reversible regulation; and mechanical control expands tuning freedom through structural deformation. Research indicates that multi-band compatibility faces challenges due to differences in structural scale and physical mechanisms, necessitating the integration of emerging materials and synergistic control strategies. This paper summarizes the core performance metrics and typical applications of absorbers across various bands and outlines future development directions such as multi-field synergistic control and low-power design, providing theoretical references and technical pathways for the development of intelligent tunable absorber devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Metasurfaces: Novel Designs and Applications)
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