Exciton resonances for atomically-thin optics

Metasurfaces enable flat optical elements by leveraging optical resonances in metallic or dielectric nanoparticles to obtain accurate control over the amplitude and phase of the scattered light. While highly efficient, these resonances are static and difficult to tune actively. Exciton resonances in atomically thin 2D semiconductors provide a novel and uniquely strong resonant light–matter interaction, which presents a new opportunity for optical metasurfaces. Their resonant properties are intrinsic to the band structure of the material, do not rely on nanoscale patterns, and are highly tunable using external stimuli. In this tutorial, we present the role that exciton resonances can play for atomically thin optics. We describe the essentials of metasurface physics and provide background on exciton physics and a comprehensive overview of excitonic materials. Excitons demonstrate to provide new degrees of freedom and enhanced light–matter interactions in hybrid metasurfaces through coupling with metallic and dielectric metasurfaces. Using the high sensitivity of excitons to the medium's electron density, the first demonstrations of electrically tunable nanophotonic devices and atomically thin optical elements are also discussed. The future of excitons in metasurfaces looks promising, while the main challenge lies in large-area growth and precise integration of high-quality materials.