Caltech researchers steer light with a new nanoscale chip
Caltech scientists have developed a device that redirects a beam of light using another beam and a nanoscale silicon metasurface on September 18, 2026.
New device controls light direction
The new apparatus changes the path of a light beam in 74 femtoseconds. Harry Atwater explains that optical meta-surfaces increase interaction strength to make this possible with higher efficiency. This process takes roughly the time light needs to travel across a human hair.
Potential for faster technology
Researchers say these findings could lead to quicker photonic communications and computing systems. The ability to control light direction quickly is essential for building more powerful sensors. A paper detailing the work has been published recently by the university.
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