Latest achievements in metalenses for advanced imaging applications

Year: 2025

Authors: Patrizi B., Santonocito A., Toci G.

Autors Affiliation: Ist Nazl Ottica, CNR INO, Consiglio Nazl Ric, Via Madonna Piano 10, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; European Lab Non Linear Spect, LENS, Via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Univ Pisa, Dipartimento Chim, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 13, I-56124 Pisa, Italy.

Abstract: Metalens technology is rapidly advancing the frontiers of optical imaging by enabling flat, lightweight, and multifunctional alternatives to conventional refractive elements. Recent progress in improving efficiency, chromatic dispersion control, and scalable fabrication has positioned metalenses as pivotal components of next-generation optical platforms. In the first part of this review, we survey key developments in metalens design that address long-standing challenges in optics, including chromatic aberration, high-numerical-aperture focusing, and correction of higher-order aberrations such as spherical aberration and astigmatism. We then explore their integration into advanced imaging modalities, specifically multispectral, hyperspectral, and polarimetric systems, highlighting their role in enhancing imaging quality and operational capability. Finally, we discuss emerging applications in passive depth sensing, edge-enhanced imaging, and hybrid computational architectures, where deep neural networks are leveraged to restore broadband metalens-acquired images. Collectively, these innovations mark a paradigm shift in imaging science, with far-reaching implications for consumer optics, biomedical instrumentation, and industrial metrology, where compactness, performance, and integrability are paramount.

Journal/Review: OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY

Volume: 192      Pages from: 114058-1  to: 114058-19

More Information: This work was partially supported by the Regione Toscana through the European Social Fund Plus, regional program 2021-2027, Project METALENS.
KeyWords: Metalenses; Hyperspectral imaging; Multispectral imaging; Polarimetric imaging; Metalens design fundamentals, Chromatic aberration
DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2025.114058