Recent progress in mechanically reconfigurable metasurfaces
Xingling Pan, Ziru Cai, Zhiming Chen, Yingtao Ding, Ziwei Zheng, Fei Ding
Abstract
Optical metasurfaces, which enable precise light manipulation within subwavelength-scale thicknesses, have gained extensive research interest over recent decades. Integrating tunable capabilities into these structures is pivotal for advancing next-generation flat optical devices. Among various strategies, mechanically reconfigurable metasurfaces provide a versatile solution for dynamic control by physically modifying the geometric parameters of their building blocks, such as shape, spacing, and orientation, to tailor their optical properties. In this Perspective, we review the primary mechanical modulation mechanisms, including stretchable substrates, micromotors, electrostatic, electrothermal, and piezoelectric actuation. We offer a comprehensive analysis of the underlying principles, distinct features, and emerging applications of these methods while also addressing major challenges and outlining promising future directions in this rapidly evolving field.