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High-performance achromatic flat lens by multiplexing meta-atoms on a stepwise phase dispersion compensation layer
Flat optics have attracted interest for decades due to their flexibility in manipulating optical wave properties, which allows the miniaturization of bulky optical assemblies into integrated planar components. Recent advances in achromatic flat lenses have shown promising applications in various fields. However, it is a significant challenge for achromatic flat lenses with a high numerical aperture to simultaneously achieve broad bandwidth and expand the aperture sizes. Here, we present the zone division multiplex of the meta-atoms on a stepwise phase dispersion compensation (SPDC) layer to address the above challenge. In principle, the aperture size can be freely enlarged by increasing the optical thickness difference between the central and marginal zones of the SPDC layer, without the limit of the achromatic bandwidth. The SPDC layer also serves as the substrate, making the device thinner. Two achromatic flat lenses of 500 nm thickness with a bandwidth of 650–1000 nm are experimentally achieved: one with a numerical aperture of 0.9 and a radius of 20.1 µm, and another with a numerical aperture of 0.7 and a radius of 30.0 µm. To the best of our knowledge, they are the broadband achromatic flat lenses with highest numerical apertures, the largest aperture sizes and thinnest thickness reported so far. Microscopic imaging with a 1.10 µm resolution has also been demonstrated by white light illumination, surpassing any previously reported resolution attained by achromatic metalenses and multi-level diffractive lenses. These unprecedented performances mark a substantial step toward practical applications of flat lenses.
A hybrid single quantum dot coupled cavity on a CMOS-compatible SiC photonic chip for Purcell-enhanced deterministic single-photon emission
The ability to control nonclassical light emission from a single quantum emitter by an integrated cavity may unleash new perspectives for integrated photonic quantum applications. However, coupling a single quantum emitter to cavity within photonic circuitry towards creation of the Purcell-enhanced single-photon emission is elusive due to the complexity of integrating active devices in low-loss photonic circuits. Here we demonstrate a hybrid micro-ring resonator (HMRR) coupled with self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) for cavity-enhanced deterministic single-photon emission. The HMRR cavity supports whispering-gallery modes with quality factors up to 7.8×103. By further introducing a micro-heater, we show that the photon emission of QDs can be locally and dynamically tuned over one free spectral ranges of the HMRR ( ~ 4 nm). This allows precise tuning of individual QDs in resonance with the cavity modes, thereby enhancing single-photon emission with a Purcell factor of about 4.9. Our results on the hybrid integrated cavities coupled with two-level quantum emitters emerge as promising devices for chip-based scalable photonic quantum applications.
Digital infrastructure construction and corporate innovation efficiency: evidence from Broadband China Strategy
Adopting the Broadband China Strategy as a quasi-natural experiment, we construct a multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to examine the impact of digital infrastructure construction on corporate innovation efficiency with panel data from Chinese listed companies between 2010 to 2022. Our findings indicate that the development of digital infrastructure significantly boosts corporate innovation efficiency. Mechanistic analysis reveals that financing constraints negatively moderates this innovation impact, while human capital positively moderates it. The effects of the Broadband China Strategy are particularly pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, non-high-tech enterprises, and firms located in the non-eastern region of China. Our research provides important insights for enterprises seeking to enhance their innovation efficiency, while also offering strong empirical evidence on the role of digital infrastructure in fostering corporate innovation. Our study contributes to the literature on digital economy and innovation, with practical implications for policymakers and firms aiming to leverage digital infrastructure for sustained competitive advantage.
Submersible touchless interactivity in conformable textiles enabled by highly selective overbraided magnetoresistive sensors
Miniature electronics positioned within textile braids leverages the persistent flexibility and comfort of textiles constructed from electronics with 1D form factors. Here, we developed touchless interactivity within textiles using 1D overbraided magnetic field sensors. Our integration strategy minimally impacts the performance of flexible giant magnetoresistive sensors, yielding machine-washable sensors that maintain conformability when integrated in traditional fabrics. These overbraided magnetoresistive sensors exhibit a detectivity down to 380 nT and a nearly isotropic magnetoresistance amplitude response, facilitating intuitive touchless interaction. The interactivity is possible even in humid environments, including underwater, opening reliable activation in day-to-day and specialized applications. To showcase capabilities of overbraided magnetoresistive sensors, we demonstrate a functional armband for navigation control in virtual reality environments and a self-monitoring safety helmet strap. This approach bridges the integration gap between on-skin and rigid magnetic interfaces, paving the way for highly reliable, comfortable, interactive textiles across entertainment, safety, and sportswear.
A computational spectrometer for the visible, near, and mid-infrared enabled by a single-spinning film encoder
Computational spectrometers enable low-cost, in-situ, and rapid spectral analysis, with applications in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. Traditional filter-based spectral encoding approaches typically use filter arrays, complicating the manufacturing process and hindering device consistency. Here we propose a computational spectrometer spanning visible to mid-infrared by combining the Single-Spinning Film Encoder (SSFE) with a deep learning-based reconstruction algorithm. Optimization through particle swarm optimization (PSO) allows for low-correlation and high-complexity spectral responses under different polarizations and spinning angles. The spectrometer demonstrates single-peak resolutions of 0.5 nm, 2 nm, 10 nm, and dual-peak resolutions of 3 nm, 6 nm, 20 nm for the visible, near, and mid-infrared wavelength ranges. Experimentally, it shows an average MSE of 1.05 × 10⁻³ for narrowband spectral reconstruction in the visible wavelength range, with average center-wavelength and linewidth errors of 0.61 nm and 0.56 nm. Additionally, it achieves an overall 81.38% precision for the classification of 220 chemical compounds, showcasing its potential for compact, cost-effective spectroscopic solutions.
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