Engineering Optics 2.0: A Revolution in Optical Materials, Devices, and Systems

Along with the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication and characterization techniques, as well as the advancement of electronic computer and numerical simulation algorithms, modern engineering optics has entered a new phase termed Engineering Optics 2.0 (EO 2.0), which breaks the fundamental limitations of classic optical laws with respect to many aspects of optics (including reflection, refraction, diffraction, absorption and radiation, etc.). These theoretical breakthroughs may provide a new scheme for engineering optical applications. In this perspective, on the basis of anomalous optical and electromagnetic phenomena discovered in ordered subwavelength structures, we analyzed the opportunities and main challenges toward practical applications. Rather than replacing traditional optical components, we argue that subwavelength structured materials should be merged with the state-of-art technologies to make EO 2.0 more competitive in both miniature and large optical systems.