In the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, a team of researchers led by Vahid Karimi at the University of New Mexico’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has been delving into the fascinating world of metasurfaces, with a particular focus on a promising class of materials known as MXenes. Their work, recently published in the journal *Nano Select* (which translates to *Nano Choice*), is shedding new light on how these engineered surfaces can manipulate light at scales smaller than the wavelength of light itself, opening up intriguing possibilities for the energy sector.
Metasurfaces are two-dimensional arrays of carefully designed nanostructures that can control the flow of light in ways that natural materials cannot. By arranging these structures in specific patterns, researchers can create what are known as Mie resonances—collective electromagnetic interactions that go beyond simple dipolar approximations. These resonances allow for precise control over the phase and amplitude of light, enabling advanced manipulation at subwavelength scales.
Karimi and his team have been exploring how these resonances behave in metasurfaces made of MXenes, a family of two-dimensional materials known for their excellent conductivity and tunable properties. “What we’ve found is that by engineering the design of the scattering elements in the metasurface, we can excite and control multipolar resonances across the visible and infrared spectra,” Karimi explains. This level of control could lead to significant advancements in technologies like solar energy harvesting, where efficient light manipulation is crucial.
The team’s research also delves into the behavior of resonances in materials beyond MXenes, including lossy materials like transition metal dichalcogenides and conventional metals, as well as high-refractive-index materials like silicon. By categorizing these materials and studying their unique resonance behaviors, the researchers are paving the way for more versatile and efficient metasurface designs.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential impact on the energy sector. The ability to manipulate light at such small scales could lead to more efficient solar cells, advanced sensing technologies, and even new ways to harness and distribute energy. “The control we demonstrate over multipolar resonances could be a game-changer for energy applications,” Karimi notes. “By fine-tuning these resonances, we can optimize the performance of devices that rely on light-matter interactions.”
The implications of this work extend beyond the energy sector, with potential applications in telecommunications, imaging, and even quantum computing. As researchers continue to explore the capabilities of metasurfaces and MXenes, the possibilities seem almost limitless. “This is just the beginning,” Karimi says. “We’re excited to see where this research takes us and how it can shape the future of technology.”
With their findings published in *Nano Select*, Karimi and his team have provided a roadmap for future developments in metasurface technology. As the field continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research could prove invaluable in driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in light manipulation and energy applications.