Next-Gen Holograms
Programmable Metasurface Controls Light to Generate Dozens of Holograms Simultaneously, Expanding Holography's Potential
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A new programmable metasurface can generate dozens of holograms at the same time — a feat that researchers are calling a major leap forward in holographic technology. El Periódico reports that the system controls light in both space and time, multiplying the capacity of traditional holography by a wide margin.
Unlike conventional holographic systems that project a single image, this device can produce many different holograms simultaneously. Levante EMV notes that the breakthrough could open the door to new applications in communications, medicine, and display technology.
What a Metasurface Is and Why It Matters
A metasurface is an ultra-thin material engineered at a microscopic scale. It is designed to bend, shape, and redirect light in ways that natural materials cannot. Think of it as a programmable lens, but far more powerful and flexible. Diario de Mallorca explains that these surfaces are made up of tiny structures smaller than the wavelength of light itself.
What makes this new version special is that it is programmable. Scientists can change what it does in real time. Previous metasurfaces were fixed — they could only perform one optical task. This one can switch between dozens of different functions almost instantly, according to La Opinión de Murcia.
How the System Generates Dozens of Holograms at Once
The key innovation is control over both space and time. By manipulating where and when light interacts with the metasurface, researchers can encode multiple holographic images into a single beam. El Periódico de Aragón reports that the system can project tens of distinct holograms at the same time — something no previous device could do.
Each hologram is generated by a different combination of light waves hitting the surface at precisely timed intervals. The result is a rich set of 3D images produced from one compact device. Información describes the effect as close to what many would call optical magic — a word the researchers themselves have used.
Potential Uses in Medicine, Displays, and Communications
The ability to generate many holograms at once has real-world value across several fields. In medicine, it could allow doctors to view multiple 3D scans of the human body from a single device. In communications, it could enable holographic data transfer at much higher speeds, according to El Correo Gallego.
For consumer technology, the system points toward displays that are thinner, lighter, and far more capable than today's screens. La Nueva España highlights that the compact size of the metasurface makes it easier to integrate into existing devices — a major advantage over bulkier holographic setups.
Where the Research Stands and What Comes Next
The technology is still in the research phase. Scientists have proven the concept works in laboratory conditions, but scaling it up for everyday use will take more work. El DÃa reports that the team behind the metasurface is now focused on improving the number of holograms the device can handle and reducing the energy needed to run it.
Researchers say the programmable nature of the device is its biggest long-term asset. As software improves, the same physical surface could be updated to perform new tasks without any hardware changes. La Opinión de Zamora notes that this flexibility makes it a strong candidate for next-generation optical systems in both science and industry.
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