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Programming of refractive functions

Author

Listed:
  • Md Sadman Sakib Rahman

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Tianyi Gan

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Mona Jarrahi

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Aydogan Ozcan

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

Abstract

Snell’s law dictates the phenomenon of light refraction at the interface between two media. Here, we demonstrate arbitrary programming of light refraction through an engineered material where the direction of the output wave can be set independently for different directions of the input wave, covering arbitrarily selected permutations of light refraction between the input and output apertures. Formed by a set of cascaded transmissive layers with optimized phase profiles, this refractive function generator (RFG) spans only a few tens of wavelengths in the axial direction. In addition to monochrome RFG designs, we also report wavelength-multiplexed refractive functions, where a distinct refractive function is implemented at each wavelength through the same engineered material volume, i.e., the permutation of light refraction is switched from one desired function to another function by changing the illumination wavelength. As experimental proofs of concept, we demonstrate permutation and negative refractive functions at the terahertz part of the spectrum using 3D-printed materials. Arbitrary programming of refractive functions enables new design capabilities for optical materials, devices and systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Md Sadman Sakib Rahman & Tianyi Gan & Mona Jarrahi & Aydogan Ozcan, 2025. "Programming of refractive functions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62230-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62230-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ju Young Kim & Hyowook Kim & Bong Hoon Kim & Taeyong Chang & Joonwon Lim & Hyeong Min Jin & Jeong Ho Mun & Young Joo Choi & Kyungjae Chung & Jonghwa Shin & Shanhui Fan & Sang Ouk Kim, 2016. "Highly tunable refractive index visible-light metasurface from block copolymer self-assembly," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Ertugrul Cubukcu & Koray Aydin & Ekmel Ozbay & Stavroula Foteinopoulou & Costas M. Soukoulis, 2003. "Negative refraction by photonic crystals," Nature, Nature, vol. 423(6940), pages 604-605, June.
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