Researchers have created a new type of light wave called a ‘hyperbolic polariton’ on crystal surfaces. Published in Nature, the breakthrough study shows that these special light-matter interactions can exist on yttrium vanadate crystals even when the material lacks the “hyperbolic” properties traditionally required. By cooling the crystals from room temperature to -123°C, the team could control these waves, changing their shape and behaviour as they wanted. The resulting waves travel exceptionally far – up to 59 micrometers – with minimal energy loss, outperforming existing materials by orders of magnitude. This discovery means we can now make super-precise lenses that break fundamental limits, devices that use negative refraction and next-generation photonic circuits. Most importantly, it adds to the range of materials scientists can use for these applications, which could make such technologies more practical and available for real-world imaging, sensing, and optical computing. [Full article]
