Visible wavelength optical metasurfaces for use in user-machine interfaces

Optical metasurfaces offer complete freedom in definition of an optical function and do so on a flat surface. This property enables fabrication of sophisticated optics at wafer-level and therefore opens up the possibility of ultra-high-volume manufacture, in particular to address consumer markets. STMicroelectronics is a world leader in this domain, mass-producing optical metasurfaces for use in consumer sensing applications in its semiconductor fabrication facilities.

ST Edinburgh is the design centre for our optical metasurface technology, here we focus R&D on design, simulation and new technology development, working with product design engineers to define technologies that address exciting consumer markets.

This project intends to build on our existing foundation by exploring the use of visible wavelength compatible metasurfaces in the consumer sensing and display space. By moving to the visible wavelengths, we will use metasurface technologies to improve performance and ergonomics of human-machine interfaces. Visible wavelength compatible reflective and transmissive optical metasurfaces have the potential to increase the efficiency and feature-set of these optics.

The aims of this project are to understand the fundamental principles of optics in a large variety of personal electronic devices, either user facing or world facing, how current technology solutions perform and how optical metasurfaces can be used to improve this performance.

The successful candidate will develop design and simulation methodologies, collaborate with fabrication partners to develop proofs of concept, have the freedom to introduce new features in this space enabled by optical metasurfaces and do this within a company that is leading the way in the fabrication of optical metasurfaces for use in the consumer electronics markets.