Using 'nanoantennae' to manipulate light beams opens door to new light-based technologies

Complete control of some of the key properties of light waves – namely their polarisation and phase – at the nanoscale is of major interest for light-based technologies such as display screens, and in energy harvesting and data transmission. It would allow, for example, the miniaturization of traditional optical components, such as lenses, polarizers or beam-splitters, to nanoscale sizes. At the same time, it could dramatically increase their performance and resolution.