July 31, 2025 -- The ability to manipulate light at the nanoscale is transforming the way we interact with the world—and researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) are at the forefront of that transformation.

This article was originally published by the Australian Research Council (ARC) as part of their feature series highlighting research impact across Australia.

From ultra-thin lenses to compact sensors, TMOS is leading the charge in developing next-generation optical technologies that are smaller, lighter, faster, and more efficient than ever before.

These advances are driven by metasurfaces—engineered materials that can shape and direct light in ways traditional optics cannot. By harnessing these structures, TMOS researchers aim to replace bulky optical components with flat, multifunctional alternatives that can power innovations in areas such as augmented reality, autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and quantum communications.

TMOS Director, Professor Dragomir Neshev, highlights the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of the work:

“Our goal is to build a sustainable Australian research ecosystem in advanced optical technologies. We’re bringing together physicists, engineers, and material scientists to not only develop cutting-edge solutions but also train the next generation of innovators.”

Backed by the Australian Research Council, TMOS brings together experts from five Australian universities, along with national and international industry and research partners. The Centre is also strongly committed to inclusion, outreach, and education, ensuring the impact of this work extends well beyond the lab.

Whether it’s enabling wearable health sensors, smarter cameras, or faster data processing, TMOS is helping shape a future where optical technology plays a central role in solving global challenges.