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Tunable Infrared Metasurface on a Soft Polymer Scaffold
Jeremy B Reeves1, Rachael K Jayne2, Thomas J Stark3
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering , Boston University , Boston , Massachusetts 02215 , United States.
Nano Letters
|April 24, 2018
Summary
Researchers fabricated metallic electromagnetic meta-atoms on a soft polymer scaffold using MEMS-based stencil lithography. This method creates complex metasurfaces and allows tuning of mid-infrared reflectivity through mechanical strain engineering.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Traditional photolithography faces limitations in fabricating complex metasurfaces.
- Metallic electromagnetic meta-atoms are crucial for advanced optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel fabrication technique for metallic electromagnetic meta-atoms on soft polymer scaffolds.
- To create complex metasurfaces not achievable with conventional methods.
- To enable tunable optical properties of metasurfaces via mechanical deformation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based stencil lithography.
- Fabricated metallic meta-atoms on a microstructured polymer scaffold.
- Engineered mechanical deformation of the polymer scaffold.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated complex metallic electromagnetic meta-atoms.
- Created intricate metasurfaces beyond traditional photolithographic capabilities.
- Demonstrated tunability of mid-infrared reflectivity by applying moderate strains.
Conclusions:
- MEMS-based stencil lithography is a viable technique for advanced metasurface fabrication.
- Mechanical strain engineering offers a method for dynamic tuning of optical properties.
- This approach opens possibilities for novel mid-infrared devices.
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