Several New York universities and the University of Alberta have joined forces with Perdue University to create a new metamaterial that can modify light properties. Dramatic changes in light are achieved by the new material, as it reflects hyperbolic light. This light, emitted by quantum dots, shows greatly improved output when compared with other light technologies.
The new metamaterial was created by alternating layers of silver, titanium oxide and miniscule “quantum dots” on a glass substrate. Small light particles, or photons can be used to increase the switching and communication speeds of computers and telecommunications devices. However, current technologies that use photons are very large, because their wavelengths have not been able to be further reduced. The new metamaterial allows light wavelengths to be decreased, allowing for much smaller components in these advanced devices.
Improvement appears promising in the areas of solar and LED technologies, as well as quantum information systems. An updated class of “nanophotonic devices” will likely be created from the new materials.
