A new publication from Opto-Electronic Sciences; DOI 10.29026/oea.2024.240122 , discusses innovative approaches for enhanced imaging performance.

In the modern world, our ability to visualize and understand the inner workings of living organisms has been significantly enhanced by advances in biological imaging technologies. These technologies allow scientists and medical professionals to see cells, tissues, and organs in great detail, which is crucial for diagnosing diseases, conducting research, and developing new treatments. However, the traditional methods used for imaging—such as microscopes, endoscopes, and MRI machines—often rely on large, complex, and expensive optical components. These components can be cumbersome, limiting their use in portable devices and making high-quality imaging less accessible, particularly in remote or under-resourced areas.

To overcome these challenges, researchers have been exploring a groundbreaking technology known as metasurfaces and applying them to imaging techniques. Metasurfaces are extremely thin, flat optical devices made up of tiny, precisely arranged nanostructures termed metaatoms. Notably, it exhibited novel optical properties that are not available in natural materials. Unlike conventional lenses, which are bulky and curved, metasurfaces can control and manipulate light in extraordinary ways using these tiny structures. This capability allows metasurfaces to perform complex imaging tasks, all while being lightweight and compact.

The potential of metasurfaces in biological imaging is immense. In this paper, we explore how these innovative surfaces can be used to improve a wide range of imaging applications. For example, metasurfaces can enhance imaging resolution, a technique that allows scientists to observe incredibly small details within biological samples that were previously unresolvable using conventional optical microscopes. This could be especially useful for understanding diseases at the cellular level, leading to more targeted and effective treatments.

Metasurfaces are also ideal for correcting common optical distortions that occur in traditional imaging systems. These distortions, such as blurriness or color aberrations, can significantly reduce the quality of the images produced. By using metasurfaces, we can correct these distortions, resulting in much sharper, clearer, and more accurate images. This improvement in image quality could have a profound impact on medical diagnostics, where clear and precise imaging is essential for identifying and treating diseases.

The future of metasurfaces in biological imaging holds immense potential, offering exciting possibilities that could reshape the field. While there are challenges ahead, such as refining the control over more complex light and developing advanced materials to enhance metasurface performance, these obstacles represent opportunities for further innovation. As research progresses, we anticipate that metasurfaces will unlock new capabilities in imaging, enabling breakthroughs that were previously unimaginable. The continued advancement of this technology could lead to transformative changes, not only in how we visualize biological systems but also in the broader landscape of medical diagnostics and scientific discovery.

The authors of this article conducted a comprehensive review of the application of metasurfaces in the field of biological imaging. This review is of paramount importance as it not only consolidates the current state of research in this interdisciplinary area but also outlines the potential future directions that could revolutionize how biological imaging is performed. Metasurfaces, with their extraordinary ability to manipulate light at the nanoscale, represent a significant advancement over conventional optical components. They are particularly notable for their potential to reduce the size, weight, and complexity of imaging systems while simultaneously enhancing performance.

This review meticulously examines a broad spectrum of studies that demonstrate the application of metasurfaces to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional imaging technologies. These traditional systems often suffer from issues such as optical aberrations, limited resolution, and the need for bulky equipment. By contrast, metasurfaces offer solutions to these problems through their ability to finely tune light behavior, leading to sharper, clearer images and more compact devices. This capability is especially crucial in the context of biological imaging, where the ability to observe minute details within cells and tissues can lead to more accurate diagnoses and a deeper understanding of biological processes.

This review not only summarizes current research but also serves as a strategic guide for future innovations. By synthesizing the findings from various studies, this review highlights the versatility and effectiveness of metasurfaces in improving bioimaging quality across different applications. The review identifies key areas where metasurfaces can be further optimized, such as in correcting optical aberrations, enhancing imaging resolution, and developing portable, high-performance imaging systems. This guidance is invaluable for researchers and engineers who are working at the intersection of metasurface technology and biological imaging, as it helps to chart a clear path forward for the development of next-generation imaging devices.

In summary, this article is a pivotal contribution to the rapidly evolving field of metasurfaces and biological imaging. By providing a detailed analysis of existing research, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, this review not only advances our understanding of current technologies but also lays the groundwork for future innovations. The potential impact of this work is vast, with the ability to significantly enhance imaging technologies in medicine, research, and beyond. As such, this review is not just a summary of existing knowledge but a forward-looking document that will help shape the future of imaging science.
Keywords: metasurface / phase modulation / metamaterial / biological imaging techniques
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The bionanophotonics laboratory, led by Prof. Inki Kim in the department of biophysics at the institute of quantum biophysics (IQB), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research combining the fields of nanophotonics, biophotonics, metamaterials. Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing both theoretical and experimental approaches to develop cutting-edge technologies that bridge the gap between basic science and applied engineering.

At the core of our research is the exploration of metamaterials and metasurfaces—engineered structures with properties not found in naturally occurring materials. These innovations enable us to manipulate light in unprecedented ways, leading to breakthroughs in various applications, from enhancing the efficiency of optical devices to developing new methods for controlling light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Our work in metamaterials is closely intertwined with our research in nanophotonics, where we focus on the interaction of light with nanostructures, paving the way for advancements in optical modulation, sensing, and beyond.

In addition to our work in metamaterials and nanophotonics, we place a strong emphasis on biophotonics, a field that merges photonics with biological applications. Our biophotonics research is aimed at developing novel imaging techniques and optical tools for studying biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. Through our innovations in bioimaging, we seek to push the boundaries of what is possible in medical diagnostics, enabling earlier detection of diseases and more precise treatments.

In summary, the bionanophotonics laboratory is committed to pioneering research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges in science and engineering today. Through our work in metamaterials, nanophotonics, biophotonics, we strive to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of technologies that will have a lasting impact on both academia and industry.

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Opto-Electronic Advances (OEA) is a rapidly growing high-impact, open access, peer reviewed monthly SCI journal with an impact factor of 15.3 (Journal Citation Reports for IF2023). Since its launch in March 2018, OEA has been indexed in SCI, EI, DOAJ, Scopus, CA and ICI databases over the time, and expanded its Editorial Board to 34 members from 17 countries.
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Jo Y, Park H, Yoon H et al. Advanced biological imaging techniques based on metasurfaces. Opto-Electron Adv 7, 240122 (2024). doi: 10.29026/oea.2024.240122