IEEE Study Explores New Photonics Breakthrough: Topology Imprinting in Nonlinear Metasurfaces

Researchers review the recently introduced concept of topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces as a route to next-generation photonic platforms

PISCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent advances in modern optics have expanded the classical description of light beyond electromagnetic waves, giving rise to structured light fields with additional spatial and topological properties for applications in imaging, communication, and information processing.

Generating these complex optical fields at different wavelengths, however, remains challenging. Conventional approaches rely on linear optical elements that use interference and superposition, limiting their ability to produce intricate light patterns at new wavelengths. More recently, nonlinear metasurfaces have emerged as a powerful platform for generating structured light through nonlinear light–matter interactions, although efficiency and material absorption remain challenges.

A recent study made available online on May 18, 2026 and will be published in Volume 18, Issue 04 of the IEEE Photonics Journal on August 1, 2026, explores the newly introduced concept of topology imprinting in nonlinear metasurfaces as a new paradigm for nonlinear wavefront engineering. "In topology imprinting, the spatial topology of an optical field at the fundamental frequency is directly transferred to the generated harmonic radiation, offering a new way for generating structured light while relaxing 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 and Adaptation, highlighting advances in photonic technologies relevant to addressing today's climate challenges.

The review discusses the physical mechanisms underlying topology imprinting and highlights experimental demonstrations using all-dielectric metasurfaces to generate and preserve structured optical fields, including optical vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum. These studies demonstrate the ability to replicate and manipulate complex optical fields while preserving their topological characteristics across frequencies, providing a compact platform for structured light generation.

The authors also discuss current challenges and future directions, including advanced nonlinear materials, tunable metasurfaces, and machine-learning-assisted device design.
Overall, the review highlights topology imprinting as a promising strategy for developing compact, next-generation photonic technologies for holography, optical communications, quantum photonics, and advanced imaging systems.

Reference
Title of original paper: Photonics Breakthroughs 2025: Topology-Imprinting Nonlinear Metasurfaces

Journal: IEEE Photonics Journal

DOI: 10.1109/JPHOT.2026.3694621

Contact:

Kristen Amoroso
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SOURCE IEEE Photonics Society