Multiwavelength achromatic metasurfaces by dispersive phase compensation

TLDR

Planar optics can replace bulk optical elements with thin‑film structures, but traditionally they function only over narrow wavelength ranges. The study shows that chromatic dispersion can be compensated by surface design, enabling broadband, lightweight planar optical elements. Published in Science (p.

Abstract

Color correcting planar optics The functionality of many bulk optical elements can now be replaced by specially designed structures fabricated in thin films. This planar optics approach, however, has generally been applicable to only a narrow band of wavelengths. Aieta et al. show that chromatic dispersion, or color dependence, can be compensated for by the judicious design of the surface. The results demonstrate a general approach for the fabrication of broadband and lightweight optical elements that can be engineered into planar thin films. Science , this issue p. 1342