New Metasurface Dramatically Slows Down Light, Enabling Advances in Computing
• Scientists created a new metasurface material that can slow down light by over 10,000 times, reducing light loss by 5 times compared to other methods • The metasurface is made from thin layers of silicon, like in computer chips, with precisely positioned "meta-atoms" • Slowing down light could benefit computing and optical communication • The breakthrough builds on existing "electromagnetically induced transparency" methods that manipulate electrons to make gas transparent • The precise design of the metasurface allows improved control over how light travels, opening new possibilities for manipulating light