Scientists Controlled Light in Just 74 Femtoseconds

Scientists have demonstrated an ultrafast metasurface capable of steering and reshaping light in just 74 femtoseconds — 74 quadrillionths of a second. The technology uses a specially engineered silicon metasurface made from structures smaller than the wavelength of light. Instead of relying on moving mirrors, lenses or mechanical components, a second laser pulse temporarily changes the optical properties of the material through the optical Kerr effect. In experiments, researchers achieved programmable beam steering of up to ±13 degrees. High-Q optical resonances amplify the normally weak Kerr response, allowing one beam of light to effectively control another at extraordinary speed. The research could eventually have major implications for photonic computing, optical communications, ultrafast signal processing, imaging and quantum technologies. Today, optical data often has to be converted into electrical signals before it can be processed. Devices like this could one day allow some operations to happen directly with light. The technology is still at the fundamental research stage, but it provides a glimpse of a future where light does more than carry information — it processes it. Xenon Lab News — science, technology and the future. #Photonics #OpticalComputing #Metasurface #Nanophotonics #Science #Technology #Physics #Laser #SiliconPhotonics #PhotonicComputing #QuantumTechnology #FutureTech #Engineering #ScienceNews #TechNews #Innovation #Light #Computing #DeepTech #XenonLab