Optoelectronics Topology imprinting advances nonlinear metasurface photonics
Researchers review the recently introduced concept of topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces as a route to next-generation photonic platforms.
T
opology imprinting of nonlinear metasurfaces is a new concept that enables replication and manipulation of structured light fi elds while preserving their topological characteristics across new frequencies. A new study reviews this paradigm, discussing key experimental demonstrations, current limitations, and future research directions, highlighting its potential impact across different fi elds. Light is traditionally described by properties such as wavelength, amplitude, phase, and polarisation. Advances in optics have shown that light can also be shaped into complex spatial patterns known as structured light, enabling new ways to carry information and interact with matter for applications in imaging, optical communications, and information processing. Generating structured light at different wavelengths remains challenging using conventional optical methods. Nonlinear
optics and metasurfaces offer a promising solution by enabling precise control of light at the nanoscale. However, designing metasurfaces that operate effi ciently across both fundamental and harmonic frequencies remains diffi cult, and material absorption can reduce conversion effi ciency.
A recent study, available online on 18 May 2026 and published in Volume 18, Issue 04 of the IEEE Photonics Journal on 1 August 2026, explores topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces as a new paradigm for nonlinear wavefront engineering. “In topology imprinting, the spatial topology of an optical fi eld at the fundamental frequency is directly transferred to the generated harmonic radiation, offering a new way for generating structured light while overcoming material and nanofabrication constraints,” explains Dr Natalia M. Litchinitser. The study was also featured in the JSTQE Special Issue on Photonics for Climate Change Mitigation
LAUNCHING and Adaptation.
The review discusses the physical mechanisms underlying topology imprinting and highlights key experimental
demonstrations. The concept has been realised using all-dielectric metasurfaces composed of subwavelength resonators. Various structured optical fi elds have been generated and preserved using this approach, including optical vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum and optical Hopf links. A notable demonstration is the third-harmonic generation of vortex beams that preserve the spatial topology of the fundamental beam.
The study also discusses current challenges, including low effi ciency of nonlinear frequency
To fi nd out more visit:
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11523482
Image credit: Natalia M. Litchinitser, Duke University, USA
conversion in ultrathin metasurfaces, limitations imposed by available nonlinear materials, and diffi culties associated with scaling and integrating into on-chip photonic platforms. Looking ahead, the authors identify promising research directions, including low-loss, highly nonlinear materials, active and tuneable metasurface functionalities, and machine-learning-based optimisation. “Nonlinear topology imprinting can pave the way towards compact photonic platforms capable of generating complex structured light fi elds,” concludes Dr Litchinitser.
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www.cieonline.co.uk Components in Electronics September 2026 33
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