SHENZHEN, July 14, 2025—Researchers at Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen (HITSZ) have developed a breakthrough laser technology that generates precisely shaped light beams without external optics. Published in Nature, the study introduces a meta-device that integrates beam-shaping capabilities directly into the laser source.

The technology replaces traditional bulky lens systems with a nanostructured surface just hundred nanometers thick. It produces clean holographic patterns and focused beams with minimal speckle noise—solving a decades-old challenge in laser displays.

"This redefines how light can be engineered at its source," said corresponding author Professor Song Qinghai. The metalaser's key advantages include:

• Ultra-compact size: Replaces centimeters of optics with a nanoscale layer

• Speckle-free output: Enables clearer displays and holography

• Fully customizable: Generates vortices, multi-focal arrays and holograms

  The innovation paves the way for improved VR/AR displays, medical instruments and optical computing systems.

HITSZ is the primary institution, with postdoctoral researcher Zeng Yixuan and PhD students Sha Xinbo and Zhang Chi as leading contributors. Supported by the National Key R&D Program and NSFC.