Singapore Researchers Break New Ground in 3D Chiral Metamaterials
Singapore, Friday, 15 August 2025.
Innovating in design, Singapore’s NCAIP enhances 3D chiral metamaterials, offering significantly higher circular dichroism signals, paving the way for improved photonics applications in imaging and sensing.
Innovative Designs Fuel Advancements
The researchers at Singapore’s National Centre for Advanced Integrated Photonics (NCAIP) have pioneered new design methodologies in the realm of three-dimensional chiral metamaterials. By leveraging both in-plane rotation and out-of-plane twisting, these multilayered structures break the conventional bounds of symmetry, significantly enhancing their interaction with light. This has resulted in the potential for much stronger circular dichroism (CD) signals compared to traditional two-dimensional metamaterials, marking a substantial step forward in photonic technology [1].
Implications for Imaging and Sensing
These 3D chiral metamaterials are particularly promising for applications in mid-infrared imaging. The research demonstrates the creation of a 5 × 5 array using achiral and chiral cells for mid-infrared imaging, showcasing improved imaging capabilities due to enhanced light interaction properties. Such advancements hold the promise of significant improvements in fields like free-space communication, optical encryption, and sensing technologies [1].
Scalable Manufacturing Possibilities
A notable achievement of the researchers is the integration of these chiral metamaterials with the standard CMOS process, which is widely used in electronics manufacturing. This compatibility suggests a potential pathway for large-scale production of these advanced materials. The ability to manufacture on a large scale is crucial for the commercial viability of these technologies, opening the door to more widespread applications and more economical production costs [1].
Future Directions in Photonics
The coupling mechanism of these chiral metamaterials has been explored using temporal coupled-mode theory, setting the stage for further innovations in photonic devices. The focus on harnessing improved circular dichroism signals not only enhances the applicability in current imaging and sensing technologies but also paves the way for new developments in optical devices that operate on light rather than electrons, broadening the horizons of the field [1].