A breakthrough has occurred in the world of optical technologies that could revolutionize how devices interact with light. Scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) have developed a unique "Fourier Pixel." This device breaks conventional stereotypes: unlike traditional liquid crystal or OLED pixels, which either emit light (in monitors) or capture it (in cameras), this new development combines both functions into a single structure.
The results of the study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, describe the creation of an element capable of acting simultaneously as a microscopic emitter and sensor. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine.
Mathematics Becomes Reality
The concept of the new technology is based on complex phenomena of wave optics; however, as it turned out, the mathematical calculations for its implementation turned out to be relatively simple. The name "Fourier Pixel" is given in honor of the outstanding mathematician Joseph Fourier. It was his formulas that allowed scientists to model the artificial micro-relief necessary for the device to work.
The key difference of the development is bidirectional control. The element is capable of interacting with three fundamental parameters of a light wave:
- Intensity (amplitude);
- Phase of oscillation;
- Polarization.
The structure represents an interface with a precisely calculated wavy relief. This micro-structured surface interacts with surface light waves, converting scattered light into controlled optical patterns carrying useful information.
Confirming Theory in Practice
According to co-authors of the project Yannik Glauser and Sander Fonck, this development transforms the classic concept of a pixel as a simple point with a certain brightness. Now, a pixel is a compact, full-fledged optical device for total control of the light field.
The head of the research group, Professor David Norris, emphasized that experiments fully confirmed the mathematical models: the specified wave pattern in practice instantly generated the necessary optical result. The "Fourier Surface" created by the team in a preliminary study proved its effectiveness.
Technologies of the Future: From Hybrid Screens to Holograms
The creation of working prototypes, even in the form of very small particles, opens the doors for next-generation devices. The prospects for the application of Fourier pixels go far beyond current developments:
- Hybrid display-cameras: The emergence of screens where every millimeter of the matrix not only transmits an image but also simultaneously captures the user's gaze, the level of external lighting, or analyzes gestures without using separate lenses.
- Holographic systems and AR: Using the full spectrum of light properties (including phase and polarization) will allow for the creation of realistic three-dimensional holograms and significantly improve augmented reality glasses.
- Adaptive optics: The development of communication and monitoring systems capable of independently and dynamically adjusting the parameters of the output light signal depending on the environmental conditions they record at that very moment.
Although the commercial use of camera-screens based on Fourier pixels remains a promising niche, Swiss scientists have already taken the first fundamental step in this direction, opening the era of intelligent optics.