Ultra-Thin Lenses That Make Infrared Light Visible

Researchers at ETH Zurich, University (Switzerland) have developed an ultra-thin metalens that can convert infrared light into visible light. This innovation relies on a special material, lithium niobate (synthetic salt consisting of niobium, lithium, and oxygen), and a novel fabrication process that stamps nanoscale patterns onto its surface.

This new metalens is smaller than a human hair and can halve the wavelength of incoming light. Its potential applications include thinner camera components, new tools in microscopy, and advanced security features for banknotes.

A new generation of optical devices

Lenses play a central role in optical technologies. Traditional lenses, utilised in cameras and microscopes, focus light by bending it through thick layers of glass. However, this thickness limits the compactness of optical devices.