Wavefront

Computer science

Chromatic scale

Physical chemistry

Polarization (electrochemistry)

Physics

Dielectric

Optics

Focus (optics)

Chemistry

Optoelectronics

Nanophotonics

During the past few years, metasurfaces have been used to demonstrate optical elements and systems with capabilities that surpass those of conventional diffractive optics. Here, we review some of these recent developments, with a focus on dielectric structures for shaping optical wavefronts. We discuss the mechanisms for achieving steep phase gradients with high efficiency, simultaneous polarization and phase control, controlling the chromatic dispersion, and controlling the angular response. Then, we review applications in imaging, conformal optics, tunable devices, and optical systems. We conclude with an outlook on future potentials and challenges that need to be overcome.

A review of dielectric optical metasurfaces for wavefront control