Metasurfaces to shape near-field dipole-dipole energy transfer

In a recent breakthrough, the journal Communication Physics published a study titled "Experimental evidence of Förster energy transfer enhancement in the near field through engineered metamaterial surface waves." This research delves into the intriguing interplay between surface plasmons and Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET), shedding light on a relatively unexplored phenomenon.

Through microwave experiments, the study reveals that by exciting surface waves on a specialized metasurface, FRET can be greatly enhanced in the near-field region. In essence, this means that energy transfer between two emitters, when separated by distances smaller than the wavelength of light, can be efficiently controlled.

The key to this breakthrough lies in the metasurface—a carefully designed interface that can regulate dipole-dipole energy transfer. By harnessing metamaterials, researchers crafted this metasurface to act as a conduit for precise FRET manipulation.

The implications of this discovery are vast and hold the potential to impact various fields from advanced lighting to photovoltaics.