Extreme Light Control with Metamaterials

Abstract: The field of metamaterials, artificial materials engineered at the nanoscale, has been rapidly evolving in the past two decades, demonstrating extreme optical phenomena and unprecedented control over wave propagation. In this talk, I discuss recent developments in this field of research, with an emphasis on the role of symmetries in establishing emerging optical responses for metamaterials based on otherwise simple constituents. Geometrical rotations, suitably tailored perturbations, and broken time reversal symmetry can be carefully engaged to tailor waves in robust and efficient ways, control their propagation, break Lorentz reciprocity and enable topological order and phase transitions. In particular, the use of strongly coupled light and matter interactions in polaritonic systems enables extreme responses at the nanoscale, well suited for classical-wave and quantum applications. In my talk, I will discuss the underlying physical principles that span over a wide range of frequencies, and their impact on practical technologies, from imaging, energy and sensing to computing and communications. 

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