Themed collection Metamaterials

A high-dimensional multiplexed metamaterial is proposed for modulating all dimensions of sound waves traversing water–air media, enabling high-speed, real-time cross-water–air communications with sound as the sole information carrier.

A geometry-invariant regime in dielectric meta-atoms with antireflection coatings is demonstrated. Phase, transmission, and reflection depend only on effective diameter, remaining independent of cross-sectional shape across different geometries.

Quasi-BIC confinement engineered via topology optimization suppresses radiation loss, producing ultrahigh-Q acoustic resonance and markedly improved piezoelectric energy harvesting performance.

Metasurface with dynamically reconfigurable vortex light field.

A novel data-driven electrode structure design and additive manufacturing ensure superior material utilization with minimal ohmic losses and substantially enhance volumetric energy and power densities compared to conventional configurations.

Flat modular precursors inverse-designed from bistable origami units form diverse locked 3D architectures. The framework allows volumetric reconfiguration, transitions between distinct geometric states, and programmable mechanical response.

Mechanic neural network design aperiodic metamaterials by first learning the desired behaviors via tuning the stiffness of their active beams. Passive beam design with those same stiffness are accordingly organized within the final design.

We report a method for designing meta-beams/plates that offer global tunable bending stiffness. This principle enables tunable static bending deformation and vibrational modal shapes and frequencies for beam and plate structures.

Spinodoid topology engineering enables GaN metamaterials with enhanced piezoelectricity and tailored anisotropy, exhibiting emergent non-zero piezoelectric constants beyond crystallographic symmetry constraints.

Novel rolling bistable passive and active elastic strips are integrated in mechanical metamaterials to overcome limitations of conventional negative stiffness mechanisms, delivering large strain capacity, high force density and long fatigue life.

A spatiotemporal gain–loss framework for eigenmode steering in coupled acoustic resonators is introduced. Depending on the nonlinear gain strength, the system operates in directed energy routing into target modes or Rabi-like oscillations.

DSTM converts mechanical inputs through thermal processing into discrete digital outputs. that enables programmable logic operations and information storage through controlled mechanical deformation and temperature-driven state transitions.

Nacre-like all-ceramic metamaterials can be programmed by two interface descriptors: the stiffness ratio and the toughness/strength ratio between matrix and platelet to control their toughness.

A hybrid layered lattice design achieves integrated electromagnetic absorption and mechanical stiffness by tuning geometric layer arrangement, enabling multifunctional and lightweight metamaterial absorber applications.

We develop strong and flexible graphene oxide (GO) papers for decimeter-scale and humidity-responsive origami metamaterials. Topological design enables multiple kinematic modes and state indication/memory functions in GO metamaterials.

A non-integer dimensional design paradigm enables intrinsic multifunctionality by embedding acoustic, mechanical, and fluid coupling directly into geometry, offering a scalable and fabrication-friendly route for architected metamaterials.

Physics-informed neural networks program full energy landscapes of origami metamaterials directly from governing equations, enabling data-free inverse design and controlled sequential deployment.