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Volume 15 Issue 8，2026
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Abstract：Accurate displacement sensing is indispensable in advanced semiconductor lithography. Conventional coherent-light-based approaches are hindered by photon budget limitations, slowing down in-situ measurements. In a recent study, Chen et al. introduced a polarization-gradient metasurface integrated with two-photon quantum interference to achieve equivalent precision with only ~3% of the photons required by classical methods. This work represents a decisive step in merging metasurfaces with quantum resources, paving the way for high-speed, low-noise, and integration-ready displacement metrology.3|1|0Updated：2026-07-30- Abstract：By implementing the super-resolution principles of image scanning microscopy in coherent imaging, Küppers et al. introduced interferometric image scanning microscopy, achieving 120 nm label-free lateral resolution with minimal phototoxicity and offering a robust tool for long-term observation of intracellular dynamics.3|1|0Updated：2026-07-30
- Abstract：Luminescent nanothermometry based on thermally coupled levels (TCLs) has emerged as a powerful tool for non-invasive temperature sensing, but it still lacks sufficient theoretical guidelines. To address this issue, a theoretical framework for Boltzmann luminescent nanothermometry has been established, which quantitatively defines the temperature window for establishing thermal equilibrium in TCLs, establishes a practical criterion for stable thermal coupling of TCLs, and enables predictive material design of temperature sensitivity. Based on this framework, a high sensitivity of 6.17% K-1 is achieved, providing a theoretical basis for the rational design of high-precision nanothermometers.4|1|0Updated：2026-07-30
- Abstract：Arrays of resonant nanoparticles, so-called metasurfaces, have been developed and demonstrated as the first generation of meta-operators. Unlike today’s electronic systems, the demonstrated compact, scalable platform enables ultrafast, energy-efficient all-optical image processing, extending to holographic wavefront shaping with a single-layer metasurface. These results open new opportunities for advanced optical computational microscopy and intelligent sensing.4|0|0Updated：2026-07-30
Light People
Abstract：Five score years ago, Mr. Po-ling Chang, founder of Nankai University in China, established its timeless motto: “Dedication to Public Interests, Acquisition of All-Round Capability, and Aspiration for Progress with Each Passing Day.” Today, Gui-Geng Liu, an alumnus of the 2017 Physics Po-ling Program (named after the founder of Nankai University, Mr. Po-ling Chang), has made groundbreaking contributions to topological physics, including the realization of the first three-dimensional Chern insulator and the photonic axion insulator. He is currently an independent Principal Investigator (PI) and doctoral supervisor at the School of Engineering, Westlake University. He has published in top-tier international journals, including Nature1 , Physical Review Letters2 , and Science3 . His research was recognized as one of the Top 10 Social Impact Events in China’s Optics in 2022. In this edition of “Light People”, I am pleased to feature Professor Gui-Geng Liu as he shares his personal journey and growth in the field.5|1|0Updated：2026-07-30Original Articles
Abstract：While light scattering is widely utilized in optical metrology and measurement, it has long been regarded as detrimental in laser-material processing. Here, we report an interferometric scattering effect that overturns this conventional view by resolving the six-decade challenge of axial resolution in optical manufacturing. This breakthrough elevates the axial resolution from micrometers, e.g., ~2 µm in transparent solids slicing, to the sub-10 nm level. The underlying mechanism involves the controlled sequential generation of nano-scatterers through interference between the incident laser and deliberately seeded scattering centers. Based on this phenomenon, we developed an interferometric scattering-based optical tomoslicing technology (i-SOT), achieving kerf widths as narrow as 7 nm under an industrial standard efficiency of up to 400 mm2/s. This unprecedented axial resolution enables nearly lossless laser wafering from ingots—reducing mass loss from ~30% to below 1% — with transformative potential for manufacturing laser crystals, photovoltaics, and microelectronic chips.4|0|0Updated：2026-07-30- Abstract：Optically addressable solid-state spin defects are essential platforms for quantum sensing and information processing. Recently, single spin defects with combined S = 1 and S = ½ spin transitions were discovered in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). In this work we unveil their excitation dynamics. In particular, we study the effects of the excitation wavelength on the spin-dependent fluorescence and the spin dynamics of these peculiar quantum spin defects. We find that changing the excitation wavelength leads to a threefold enhancement in both the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) contrast and the corresponding magnetic field sensitivity. In addition, we find that the excitation wavelength has a strong impact on the photodynamics of spin complex emitters. Our work presents valuable insights to the mechanistic understanding of spin complex emitters in hBN and highlights the importance of excitation wavelength for optimising their performance in quantum sensing and quantum technologies.4|1|0Updated：2026-07-30
- Abstract：Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are promising emitters for next-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs), yet PQD-based near-infrared (NIR) LEDs still suffer from low external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) and severe efficiency roll-off. This limitation arises from the trade-off between enhancing carrier transport with conductive ligands and preserving PQD surface integrity during ligand exchange. Here, we report an ionic liquid-mediated surface reconstruction strategy that simultaneously stabilizes PQD surface and enhances charge transport. Incorporating the multifunctional ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide (MPII) into the antisolvent suppresses defect formation while forming an in situ protective layer, effectively reducing surface traps and preserving PQD structural integrity. The treated PQD films exhibit a twofold reduction in trap density and a tenfold increase in conductivity, ensuring balanced carrier injection and efficient radiative recombination. As a result, the fabricated NIR LEDs achieve a record EQE of 24.8%, maintaining ~20% EQE at a radiance of 10 W sr-1 m-2—representing the lowest efficiency roll-off for PQD-based NIR LEDs reported to date. Furthermore, large-area devices (900 mm2) reach EQEs of up to 20% and demonstrate practical applications in biomedical imaging and information encryption, underscoring the broad potential of this strategy for high-performance NIR optoelectronics.5|1|0Updated：2026-07-30
- Abstract：New generation of Cr3+-free eco-friendly phosphors (no risk of Cr3+ → Cr6+ oxidization toxicity) are highly sought to develop broadband NIR light sources. As an essential element for body health, Fe3+ ion would be an exceptional alternative in strong octahedral crystal field. Here, the Fe3+ activators were utilized in orthoborate-pyroborate A2Sc2B4O11 for creating novel NIR-emitting phosphors. A broad absorption over 240–450 nm due to O2- → Fe3+ charge transfer transition was recorded for Sr2Sc2B4O11:Fe3+ (SSBO:Fe3+) at 370 nm and Ba2Sc2B4O11:Fe3+ (BSBO:Fe3+) at 355 nm. Resultant NIR emissions with large full width at half maximum about 170 nm were obtained for SSBO:Fe3+ peaked at 975 nm and BSBO:Fe3+ at 930 nm. The unique excitation of Fe3+ doping towards near-ultraviolet (near-UV) region was initially achieved for potential advantage of coupling a mainstream UV chip. Codoping of Yb3+ into A2Sc2B4O11:Fe3+ made emission peak red-shift towards 1000 nm and ~ 160-fold enhancement in the integral intensity owing to a robust energy extraction from the major dark (nonluminous) Fe3+. The optimized SSBO:0.02Fe3+,0.15Yb3+ exhibited considerable internal and external quantum efficiency ~ 78% and 48%, respectively. Compared to the luminescence thermal stability of ASBO:Fe3+ (32%@373 K, i.e., sustaining 32% of its room-temperature emission intensity at 373 K), the Yb3+ codoping endowed much superior stability > 63%@373 K, and additional temperature sensing with relative sensitivity ~ 1.5% K−1 at 423 K. Ultimately, by coating the novel phosphors onto UV ~ 365 nm chips, the home-made pc-LEDs were applied in night vision, food inspection, biomedical imaging, and spectroscopy analysis.4|1|0Updated：2026-07-30
- Abstract：Terahertz (THz) bands are critical for next-generation wireless fronthaul/backhaul applications. However, they face a fundamental coverage range limitation due to low emission power, severe path loss, and poor receiving sensitivity, especially in photonics-assisted THz systems beyond 300 GHz. To address this limitation, we develop a 335 GHz continuous-wave traveling wave tube amplifier with an output power close to 4 W and a gain of over 50 dB, and construct a novel yet simple diversity receiving scheme to improve the receiving signal-to-noise ratio by ~3 dB. Through hybrid photonic–electronic synergy, combining photonics-assisted THz generation, high-power THz amplification, and spatial diversity reception, a record-breaking kilometer-scale THz wireless communication at 335 GHz—a highly challenging atmospheric window—is demonstrated. We first achieve a net rate of 27.84 Gbit s−1 over a 2.2 km wireless link—yielding an unprecedented rate–distance product of 61,248 Gbit s−1 ∙ m—beyond 300 GHz to the best of our knowledge.5|1|0Updated：2026-07-30
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