Diffraction-limited imaging with monolayer 2D material-based ultrathin flat lenses

Ultrathin flat optics allow control of light at the subwavelength scale that is unmatched by traditional refractive optics. To approach the atomically thin limit, the use of 2D materials is an attractive possibility due to their high refractive indices. However, achievement of diffraction-limited focusing and imaging is challenged by their thickness-limited spatial resolution and focusing efficiency. Here we report a universal method to transform 2D monolayers into ultrathin flat lenses. Femtosecond laser direct writing was applied to generate local scattering media inside a monolayer, which overcomes the longstanding challenge of obtaining sufficient phase or amplitude modulation in atomically thin 2D materials. We achieved highly efficient 3D focusing with subwavelength resolution and diffraction-limited imaging. The high focusing performance even allows diffraction-limited imaging at different focal positions with varying magnifications. Our work paves the way for downscaling of optical devices using 2D materials and reports an unprecedented approach for fabricating ultrathin imaging devices. Ultrathin optical lenses made from monolayer two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) could pave the way for next-generation imaging devices. The unique optical properties of monolayer TMDCs, including their large refractive indices in the visible range, make them ideal candidate for flat optical lenses. Although lenses made from multilayer TMDCs have been demonstrated, their insufficient phase or amplitude modulation from subnanometre thickness results in low focusing efficiencies of <1%. An international team, led by Professor Baohua Jia from Centre for Translational Atomaterials, Swinburne University of Technology, used femtosecond laser to generate nanoparticles for ultrathin lens on monolayered TMDC crystals. The lens has a subwavelength resolution and a high focusing efficiency of 31%, achieving diffraction limited imaging. Such an atomaterial lens lays the foundation for functional optical devices for applications in nano-optics and on-chip integration.