Engineering Light–Matter Interaction for Scalable Nanophotonic Technologies

What is it about?

Over the past several decades, nanoscale light–matter inter- actions have consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to generate fundamentally new physics while simultaneously leading to transformative technological applications, which is an achievement that remains relatively uncommon in the physical sciences. The core physics is now well understood, with suitable material platforms already identified, while the societal need has become increasingly clear. As discussed throughout this perspective, the future success of the field will depend on understanding how different platforms navigate the competing demands of optical confinement and manufacturability while minimizing optical losses. What is now required to realize this opportunity is sustained, well-coordinated investment in interdis- ciplinary research while focusing on scalable manufacturing and translational infrastructure capable of transforming laboratory demonstrations into practical nanophotonic technologies with broad societal impact.

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Why is it important?

Nanoscale light–matter interactions sit at the intersection of quantum electrodynamics and next-generation technology. When electromagnetic fields are confined to volumes far below the classical diffraction limit, through different nanomaterial systems, the rules governing photon-matter coupling are fundamentally altered. We observe that spontaneous emission rates are accelerated by orders of magnitude, optical nonlinearities become accessible at single-photon power levels, and quantum coherence is sustained under conditions that would otherwise prevent it in conventional bulk systems. This Perspective argues that the field is approaching a critical inflection point. The underlying physics has come to a stage where meaningful technological translation is now possible, while advances in nanofabrication have reached a level of precision and reproducibility compatible with scalable device engineering. At the same time, pressing challenges in healthcare, energy, and information technologies are creating both the demand and the context for such translation. Drawing on recent progress in plasmonic, polaritonic, and moirénanophotonic systems, this perspective outlines a structured, multi-stage technology roadmap and examines the key scientific and engineering bottlenecks that must be addressed to achieve it. It concludes by identifying the directions most likely to benefit from continued, coordinated effort over the next two decades. 1

Perspectives