Stanford University researchers have developed a nanodevice that utilizes sound waves to precisely control light at the nanoscale. This innovation, detailed in a recent study, involves a thin gold mirror coated with a nanometer-thick silicone-based polymer. An array of gold nanoparticles is deposited across this polymer layer, and high-frequency sound waves are applied to modulate the gaps between the nanoparticles and the mirror. This modulation allows for the fine-tuning of light's color and intensity, offering potential applications in fields such as computer displays, optical communications, and holographic imaging.
The device's small scale enables rapid manipulation of light, addressing previous challenges where larger acousto-optical devices were required to amplify sound's tiny effects. The researchers highlight the potential of this technology to transform various commercial fields by enabling ultrathin video displays, ultra-fast optical communications, and compact holographic virtual reality headsets. The study was published in the journal Science on July 31, 2025.
For more information, refer to the original study titled "Acoustic wave modulation of gap plasmon cavities" in Science.