A perspective on plasmonic metasurfaces: unlocking new horizons for sensing applications

Metasurfaces (MSs), two-dimensional arrays of engineered nanostructures, have revolutionized optics by enabling precise manipulation of electromagnetic waves at subwavelength scales. These platforms offer unparalleled control over amplitude, phase, and polarization, unlocking advanced applications in imaging, communication, and sensing. Among them, plasmonic MSs stand out for their ability to exploit surface plasmon resonances (SPRs)-collective electron oscillations at metal-dielectric interfaces. This phenomenon enables extreme light confinement and field enhancement, leading to highly efficient light-matter interactions. The remarkable sensitivity of SPR to refractive index variations makes plasmonic MSs ideal for detecting minute biochemical and environmental changes with exceptional precision. Additionally, their tunable SPR characteristics enhance multifunctionality, enabling adaptive and real-time sensing. By leveraging these advantages, plasmonic MSs address critical challenges in modern sensing, driving breakthroughs in biomedical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and chemical detection. This perspective explores recent advancements in plasmonic MSs, emphasizing flexible, multifunctional designs and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in optimizing performance and enabling real-time data analysis.