Lux Research (Boston, MA) has released a study of metamaterials predicting that the micro- or nanostructured materials that can create novel optical (and non-optical) properties will be in widespread use in 2024, as the result of cost-effective manufacturing methods that allow fine patterning.
The report, Breaking the rules: Emerging metamaterials drive performance in new directions, notes that metamaterials can now be used to create devices like improved satellite antennas or security scanners, as well as exotic innovations like superlenses that can produce ultra-high resolution images, or the so-called invisibility cloaks that redirect electromagnetic radiation completely around an object.
Lux Research analysts evaluated the progress of metamaterials R&D, assessed advances by startups, and conducted a patent and commercial milestone analysis. Among their findings:
• Government agencies dominate funding. Even though venture capital investors have poured over $100 million into metamaterials startups, predominant funding comes from governments, ranging from the U.S. DARPA to the Chinese central government, which have contributed over $200 million.
• Diverse startups are emerging. Since 2006, startups such as Kymeta (Redmond, WA) have targeted the low-hanging fruit--developing radio and microwave frequency electromagnetic metamaterials, such as antennas for communications. Now others are focusing on metamaterials to manipulate visible light or make surfaces that repel bacteria.
• Duke University leads in publications. Since 2000, over 7500 academic publications on metamaterials have been published at over 500 universities. Duke University, led by its Center for Metamaterials and Integrated Plasmonics, leads the pack with 133 publications; Imperial College of London’s Centre for Plasmonics and Metamaterials and Penn State's Center for Nanoscale Science are also academic leaders.
Source: Lux Research
Conard Holton | Editor at Large
Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.