CFD Research Published in Nature Photonics for Breakthrough in Metasurface Optics

Huntsville, Ala. - In a major scientific achievement, CFD Research has published groundbreaking optical research in Nature Photonics, the world’s premier journal in optics and photonics.

Publications in Nature Photonics are a rare distinction, particularly for small businesses. This recognition not only signals the global relevance of CFD Research’s work, but also highlights the team’s exceptional expertise and innovative approach.

The paper, titled “Single-Shot Phase Diversity Wavefront Sensing in Deep Turbulence via Metasurface Optics,” represents a significant scientific advancement in using nanostructured optical materials, known as metasurfaces, to enable secure, high-speed optical communication with applications in defense, space exploration, telecommunications, and beyond.

CFD Research’s technology demonstrates a new, compact optical system that can accurately detect distortions in light beams caused by atmospheric turbulence. In tests, this system enhanced the received laser signal by 16 times in a highly turbulent regime, making long-distance, free-space optical (FSO) communication more reliable and practical.

“What excites us about this work is not just tackling a tough turbulence challenge for FSO, but showing how metasurfaces can be engineered to solve real-world problems,” said Zack Coppens, PhD, Manager in CFD Research’s Energy & Materials Division and Principal Investigator of the work. “It’s a step toward transitioning these powerful optical technologies out of the laboratory and into practical systems.”

This builds on the diverse work of CFD Research as a respected leader in early-stage technology development and high-end engineering.

“Publication in Nature Photonics showcases the groundbreaking nature of our employee-owners’ research and the tangible impact it will have on the future of sensing technologies,” said Sameer Singhal, President & CEO of CFD Research. “This recognition demonstrates CFD Research’s commitment to solving complex engineering challenges and advancing next-generation technologies.”

This work was funded by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, with a goal to uncover new wavefront sensing technologies for deep turbulence – a long-standing challenge.

“Our goal is to combine scientific rigor with practical ingenuity,” said Dr. Neset Ak?zbek, Senior Research Scientist for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and co-author of the manuscript. “This achievement is driving discoveries that will shape the future of optics and photonics—and how to turn those discoveries into technologies that matter.”

The full article is available in Nature Photonics: https://rdcu.be/eLtCb

About CFD Research
Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine’s Inc5000 as a top growing company for five of the last six years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com.