Two Grand Challenges for Nanophotonics: Tunable Coherent Optical Arrays and the Starshot Lightsail

Research in nanophotonics is yielding advances that are opening paths for conceptually new “grand challenge” photonic technologies that have not previously been achievable. One such example is tunable coherent optical... [ view full abstract ]

Research in nanophotonics is yielding advances that are opening paths for conceptually new “grand challenge” photonic technologies that have not previously been achievable. One such example is tunable coherent optical arrays ,which are enabling phased-array optical beam steering and forming in a manner previously accessible mainly at microwave frequencies.  A combination of the rapid progress in metasurface design , together with new concepts for dynamical tuning of optical phase and amplitude in nanoantennas is enabling coherent array at optical and infrared frequencies.  A second grand challenge for humanity is design of spacecraft capable of interstellar travel.  Recently, the Breakthough Starshot initiative has captured scientific imagination and advanced a proposal for light-driven spacecraft that could reach nearly stars within a human lifetime.  I will show that this audacious concept may be closer than we imagine, if advances in nanophotonics can enable key concepts for spacecraft propulsion, instrumentation and communications.