Microscopic Springs Turn Fragile Silicon into Flexible Terahertz Metamaterial

Scientists from the Osaka Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (ORIST), the University of Osaka, and Tohoku University have created a flexible and stretchable silicon material that can mechanically tune its response to terahertz waves. By etching microscopic spiral springs into silicon, the team overcame the material’s natural brittleness, enabling it to bend and stretch while maintaining functionality. This breakthrough could lead to wearable terahertz devices, advanced sensors, and reconfigurable communication systems. The ability to adjust terahertz properties through simple mechanical deformation—rather than complex electronic controls—opens new avenues for adaptive optics and wireless technologies. The research highlights Japan’s leading role in metamaterials and terahertz engineering, with potential applications in security screening, medical imaging, and 6G communications. As demand grows for flexible, high-frequency electronics, this innovation marks a key step toward robust, tunable devices that can conform to dynamic environments.