An international collaboration between researchers from the University of Namur in Belgium and Stanford University in the United States has led to a breakthrough in controlling light propagation through photonic crystal devices. Published in the esteemed journal Light: Science & Applications, the study entitled “Twist-Induced Beam Steering and Blazing Effects in Photonic Crystal Devices” reveals a cutting-edge mechanism for manipulating the direction of light beams with unprecedented precision and compactness—achieved through the simple act of twisting layered photonic structures.
At the heart of this research lies the concept of twisted photonic crystals—two-dimensional materials composed by stacking two patterned silicon layers with a slight angular offset. This twist modifies the photonic band structure and the way light interacts with the material, thus enabling dynamic control over beam direction without physically moving parts, an advance with profound implications for photonic circuits and integrated optics. The device envisioned by the team measures a mere six microns, roughly the diameter of a single human hair, yet promises an energy efficiency and compactness that could revolutionize optical manipulation technologies.
The project gained momentum following a research visit by PhD student Nicolas Roy from the University of Namur to Stanford University. His objective was to master innovative simulation methods for twisted photonic crystals recently developed by Stanford’s group. This encounter sparked a fruitful collaboration, merging simulation expertise and theoretical modeling to devise a device capable of steering light with remarkable control. By leveraging these new computational techniques, the researchers modeled photonic structures that deflect light beams efficiently, creating a scenario where light’s path can be precisely directed by adjusting the twist angle between layers.
Critical to this achievement is the development of an advanced analytical model that complements numerical simulations. Previously, simulations to characterize such twisted structures required extensive computational resources and time, often running for days. Employing machine learning and optimization algorithms, Roy and his colleagues accelerated this process dramatically, transforming these simulations to execute within seconds. This quantum leap in computational efficiency not only speeds up research but also enables rapid exploration of photonic designs, paving the way for practical implementations with simpler manufacturing demands.
The theoretical framework supporting these innovations revitalizes an old yet powerful concept from the 1960s: lattice networks. These networks, akin to diffraction gratings with sawtooth profiles reminiscent of industrial rooftops, serve as an analogy for understanding how the twist modulates the exit angle of light beams. By analyzing the twisted bilayer system through this lens, the team discovered it behaves similarly to a lattice grating, concentrating light into precise angles with a staggering efficiency of around 90 percent. This remarkable directionality opens up new realms for controlling light propagation in miniaturized devices.
Such control over light’s trajectory is not merely an academic curiosity—it represents a profound technological advance with wide-reaching applications. One of the most compelling uses lies in satellite communication systems, where steering a light beam traditionally requires bulky mechanical components. The twist-based device offers an elegant, static alternative that can redirect beams rapidly without moving elements, significantly reducing complexity and enhancing durability. Similarly, companies like Meta are investigating the technology to miniaturize virtual reality headsets to the size and convenience of conventional glasses by integrating these photonic elements.
Beyond beam steering, the ability to manipulate twisted photonic crystals yields opportunities to influence the velocity of light itself. Remarkably, light—which travels at the universe’s speed limit of approximately 300,000 kilometers per second—can be ‘slowed down’ or effectively paused within such structures. This feat enables improving laser characteristics and could catalyze the development of optical quantum memories—devices that store light information without loss or destruction until required. Such advancements are fundamental for progressing toward all-optical computing architectures that operate at the speed of light rather than being bottlenecked by traditional electronic components.
The slowing down and trapping of light inside twisted structures also enhance light-matter interactions, which is vital in fields like photocatalysis. By increasing the interaction time of photons with catalytic materials, these devices can improve chemical reaction efficiencies vital for environmental technologies such as water purification and air filtration. Researchers at the University of Namur’s Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM) are actively exploring these avenues, indicating the broad multidisciplinary impact of this photonics breakthrough.
The collaboration emphasizes the synergy between cutting-edge simulation techniques and fundamental physics concepts to unravel complex photonic behaviors. The integration of meta-models—simplified but highly accurate representations of physical systems—enabled the team to understand and harness the interaction mechanisms governing beam steering and blazing effects. This approach reveals an exciting pathway to fabricate devices not only smaller and more efficient but also dynamically controllable via mechanical or electrical means, bringing the dream of adaptive photonics closer to reality.
Looking forward, the research teams are committed to probing deeper into the physics of twisted photonic crystals and expanding their applications. The continuous partnership with Professor Shanhui Fan’s group at Stanford promises a steady stream of innovations at the intersection of fundamental science and practical engineering. The prospects of this twisting paradigm in photonics herald the dawn of a new era—one where light’s direction, speed, and interaction can be finely tuned by elegant nanoscale architectures, opening unexplored frontiers in communication, computing, and sensing technologies.
In sum, this research epitomizes how revisiting classical physical concepts through the lens of modern computational tools and nanofabrication techniques can transform our mastery over nature’s fastest messenger, light. From satellite tracking to compact augmented reality devices, the twist-enabled photonic crystal advances push the boundaries of what is feasible in optical engineering, marking a significant milestone worthy of attention and excitement in the science community and beyond.
Subject of Research: Photonic crystal devices and beam steering via twist-induced effects in nanoscale structures.
Article Title: Twist-Induced Beam Steering and Blazing Effects in Photonic Crystal Devices
News Publication Date: Information not provided in the source text.
Web References: DOI link – http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41377-025-01942-7
References: Roy, N., Lou, B., Fan, S. et al. Twist-Induced Beam Steering and Blazing Effects in Photonic Crystal Devices. Light Sci Appl 14, 263 (2025).
Image Credits: Roy, N., Lou, B., Fan, S. et al.
Keywords
Twisted photonic crystals, beam steering, photonic devices, lattice networks, computational intelligence, machine learning simulations, nanophotonics, optical memory, all-optical computing, light-matter interaction, photocatalysis, dynamic light control
