Achromatic metalens for visible and infrared band: a unified four-paradigm framework

AI Insight

This article presents a unified theoretical framework organized into four paradigms for designing achromatic metalenses capable of operating across both the visible and infrared spectral bands. Metalenses are flat optical elements composed of nanostructured surfaces that manipulate light, and achieving achromatic performance, meaning the elimination of chromatic aberration across a broad wavelength range, has been a persistent engineering challenge. The proposed framework systematically categorizes and consolidates existing design approaches, offering a comprehensive guide to optimizing metalens performance across multiple wavelength regimes simultaneously.

Why it matters

Achromatic metalenses that function across visible and infrared bands could advance compact optical systems used in imaging, sensing, medical diagnostics, and defense applications, replacing bulky conventional optics with thinner, lighter alternatives. A unified design framework also accelerates future research by providing a common language and methodology for the metalens community.