Multilayer Metalens for Multicolor Focusing: A Breakthrough in Miniaturized Optics

Researchers from the Australian National University and Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a novel multilayer metalens using metamaterials that can simultaneously focus a range of wavelengths from an unpolarized source, overcoming a key limitation of conventional metalenses. This design boasts a low aspect ratio, making it easy to manufacture and polarization-insensitive. Its potential applications include miniaturized, low-cost, high-performance optical systems for portable devices like phones and drones. Using an inverse design algorithm and shape optimization, the team created metamaterial elements in a surprising array of shapes, enabling arbitrary focusing patterns. While limited to approximately five wavelengths currently, this technology holds immense promise for future portable imaging systems.