This specification discusses a device which modulates, simultaneously or independently, the amplitude, polarization and phase of the electromagnetic radiation. This device has multiple metasurfaces, a spacer region between the metasurfaces, and an actuator for applying a force to at least one of the metasurfaces. The application of the force changes distance between at least two of the metasurfaces creating the of the electromagnetic radiation.

Systems and methods are disclosed for pressure-sensitive, electrophoretic displays, which may optionally include haptic feedback. A display may comprise a first conductive layer having a pressure-sensitive conductivity and an electrophoretic layer positioned adjacent to the first conductive layer, wherein the electrophoretic layer is in electrical communication with the first conductive layer and is configured to locally change state based on a pressure applied to the first conductive layer. Local and global writing and erasing of the display can also be achieved.

An optical device includes variable optical material that alters at least one of: incident ambient light, spectral content of incident ambient light or direction of incident ambient light through the optical device in response to a stimulus provided by the device. The device can sense intensity and/or spectral characteristics of ambient light and provide appropriate stimulus to various portions of the optical device to activate the variable optical material and alter at least one of: incident ambient light, spectral content of incident ambient light or direction of incident ambient light.

The instant disclosure is directed toward integrated-optics-based composite phase controllers that include at least one thermo-optic (TO) phase controller and at least one stress-optic (SO) phase controller, each of which is configured to affect the phase, or other propagation characteristic, of a light signal travelling through a surface waveguide. The SO phase controller can induce a small phase change quickly, while the TO phase controller can slowly induce a larger phase change. Embodiments are particularly well suited for use in waveguide-based resonant elements, such as ring resonators, spectral filters, and the like. Furthermore, photonic systems comprising one or more composite phase controllers can be developed, such as wavelength-tunable lasers for applications such as LiDAR, chemical/biological sensing, medical diagnostics, and optical communications.

An optical device includes variable optical material that alters at least one of: incident ambient light, spectral content of incident ambient light or direction of incident ambient light through the optical device in response to a stimulus provided by the device. The device can sense intensity and/or spectral characteristics of ambient light and provide appropriate stimulus to various portions of the optical device to activate the variable optical material and alter at least one of: incident ambient light, spectral content of incident ambient light or direction of incident ambient light.

A tunable optical metamaterial system includes a tunable optical metamaterial, an actuator module to selectively activate the tunable optical metamaterial, and a control system to selectively control the actuator module. The tunable optical metamaterial includes a substrate composed at least in part of an electroactive polymer (EAP), and an optically active particle array that includes a plurality of optically active elongated members populated spaced apart on the substrate in two or more orientations to form confocal lenses that are optically responsive to the expansion of the substrate. The control module, is configured to control the optical properties of the tunable optical metamaterial by causing the electrical activation of the substrate via the actuator module to selectively expand the substrate in a manner that alters the spacing between the optically active elongated members.

A tunable optical metamaterial system includes a tunable optical metamaterial, an actuator module to selectively activate the tunable optical metamaterial, and a control system to selectively control the actuator module. The tunable optical metamaterial includes a substrate composed at least in part of an electroactive polymer (EAP), and an optically active particle array that includes a plurality of optically active elongated members populated spaced apart on the substrate in two or more orientations to form confocal lenses that are optically responsive to the expansion of the substrate. The control module, is configured to control the optical properties of the tunable optical metamaterial by causing the electrical activation of the substrate via the actuator module to selectively expand the substrate in a manner that alters the spacing between the optically active elongated members.

Disclosed are a structural color variable photonic crystal composite material and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a photonic crystal composite material having various changes in color by external stimulation and controlling the color change, and a method of manufacturing the same. The structural color variable photonic crystal composite material includes a metal having a metal oxide layer formed on its surface, wherein the metal oxide layer includes a plurality of pores, and a variable material that swells and contracts within the pores by external stimulation.

Gravitational Janus microparticle having, a center-of-mass, a center-of-volume, and a non-uniform density, wherein: the center-of-mass and the center-of-volume are distinct. When suspended in a fluid, the microparticle substantially aligns with either: i) the gravitational field; or ii) the direction of an acceleration, such that the Janus microparticle is in substantial rotation equilibrium. After perturbation from substantial rotational equilibrium, the Janus microparticle reversibly rotates to return to substantial rotational equilibrium. The gravitational Janus microparticle may comprise at least two portions, each having distinct physical and/or chemical characteristics, wherein at least one portion provides a detectable effect following rotation and alignment of the microparticle.

Product display systems are provided. The product display systems may include a product display assembly and one or more products positioned in proximity to the product display assembly. The product display assembly may include a solar cell configured to receive light and output electrical current and a wireless power transmitter configured to receive the electrical current. The product may include a wireless power receiver that cooperates with the wireless power transmitter to produce current that powers an output mechanism. The output mechanism outputs a perceptible effect such as light or sound to attract consumer attention. A related method is also provided.