Unlike traditional lenses, metamaterial lenses are flat and made of silicon with intricate patterns etched into them. These patterns allow precise control of light, enabling new possibilities in imaging and sensing.
Metamaterials can see through glare and haze and can detect black ice on the road. They can also be used for identity verification, detecting artificial faces, and recognizing cancerous skin growths.
The manufacturing process for metamaterials is similar to that for computer chips, making them smaller, cheaper, and easier to mass produce. As metamaterials become more widely available, they are set to revolutionize mobile devices, cars, and medical technology, transforming how we observe and interact with the world.