Optical metamaterials, or metasurfaces, are surfaces that incorporate micro- and nanoscale structural patterning to manipulate visible light with greater control than conventional optics allow. These metamaterials are an extension of the radio and microwave metamaterials being deployed today, enabled by greater physical understanding and improving design and production tools.
While some exotic optical metamaterials, such as so-called “invisibility cloaks,” have been hyped in the press, the potential for more basic (and easier to design and produce) metamaterials has been largely overlooked outside the field itself.
In this report, we explore the readiness of optical metamaterials for entry to market, identifying opportunities and remaining challenges. Our analysis indicates optical metamaterials will impact niches within the lens market in the next year. The key factors inhibiting growth are building production infrastructure and getting device designers familiar with the technology. Design and production technologies have matured rapidly in the past few years, and companies are ramping up for expected launches. The total market for optical metamaterials will likely reach several billion dollars this decade.
Download the executive summary to learn more.