Dynamic Optofluidic Flat-Optics System for Compact Optical Element Control

Stanford researchers in the Brongersma Lab have developed an integrated dynamic flat-optics system as part of a comprehensive optofluidic platform, enabling unprecedented compact configurations. This technology features a microfluidic system where liquids with varying refractive indices flow over an optical phased array, which includes a subwavelength-thick silicon nanoresonator array on a transparent substrate. It facilitates dynamic intensity and spectral control of diffraction efficiency for various transmissive optical elements and phased arrays at visible frequencies. This innovation allows for ultra-compact, flat optical elements like lenses, prisms, gratings, and holograms to be activated or deactivated as needed, and can also serve as a sensor to monitor refractive index changes in the flowing liquids.

This technology is part of a portfolio showing how the convergence of optofluidics and metasurface optics can lead to new platforms for dynamic control of light fields. Explore more:
S21-246 – an integrated dynamic flat-optics system enabling microlens-free metasurface planar light-field displays.
S21-249 – a new type of reflective display technology for achieving transparent displays.

Stage of Development
The Brongersma team has demonstrated that their comprehensive platform offers a wide range of fundamental dynamic control functions, is realized using the same material and by the same processing, and is compatible with mature microfluidic integration technologies.