Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, Volume. 62, Issue 15, 1500005(2025)

Principles and Advances of Nanophotonics Enabled High-Efficiency Color Routers (Invited)

Jiajun Zhu1,2, Wenlan Li1, Chengfeng Pan3, Hongtao Wang3, Wang Zhang3, Bochang Wu3, and Hao Wang1,2、*
Author Affiliations
  • 1School of Instrumentation and Optoelectronic Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
  • 2Hangzhou International Innovation Institute, Beihang University, Hangzhou 311115, Zhejiang , China
  • 3Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore
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    Efficient and accurate perception of environmental color information is pivotal in imaging technologies. However, the field currently faces technical bottlenecks such as color inaccuracy and optical energy loss. Micro-nano photonic technologies, which manipulate light fields via micro-nano structures, play a crucial role in enhancing image acquisition, improving color reproduction, increasing optical energy utilization, and promoting system miniaturization. This article systematically reviews the design principles and research progress of high-efficiency color routers based on nanophotonic structures. By comparing the physical mechanisms of nanophotonic color routers with those of traditional spectral filters, we elucidate the unique advantages and vast application potential of nanophotonic approaches. We focus on analyzing the differences in color-routing performance among metallic materials, low-refractive-index materials, high-refractive-index materials, and their two-/three-dimensional nanostructures, along with their respective merits and limitations. Furthermore, by examining recent trends, we prospect the future development of nanophotonic color routers in terms of resolution, color fidelity, and on-chip integration, providing a roadmap for their applications in advanced imaging systems.

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    Jiajun Zhu, Wenlan Li, Chengfeng Pan, Hongtao Wang, Wang Zhang, Bochang Wu, Hao Wang. Principles and Advances of Nanophotonics Enabled High-Efficiency Color Routers (Invited)[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2025, 62(15): 1500005

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    Paper Information

    Category: Reviews

    Received: May. 6, 2025

    Accepted: Jun. 8, 2025

    Published Online: Aug. 6, 2025

    The Author Email: Hao Wang (haowangbuaa@buaa.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.3788/LOP251149

    CSTR:32186.14.LOP251149

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