https://doi.org/10.1051/epjam/2025007
Review
Programmable flexible self-assembled micro/nano gratings: from fabrication strategies to tunable photonic functions
Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, School of Opto-Electronics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, PR China
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Received:
29
October
2025
Accepted:
17
November
2025
Published online: 30 January 2026
This review explores the development of programmable flexible self-assembled micro/nano gratings, focusing on their fabrication strategies, dynamic modulation mechanisms, and emerging photonic applications. Emphasis is placed on strain-driven self-assembly techniques using soft elastic substrates (e.g., PDMS), template-based replication methods, and functional composite integration for enhanced optomechanical performance. Key applications include tunable diffraction devices, strain/physical/chemical sensors, adaptive optical systems, and energy harvesting devices. A critical discussion is provided on material composition, structural design principles, and scalability challenges in grating fabrication. This review aims to consolidate recent advances in flexible grating technology, demonstrating how tailored micro/nano structures enable dynamic photonic functionality. Future directions and unresolved challenges in stability, integration, and multi-field coupling are outlined to guide next-generation programmable photonic systems.
Key words: Micro/nano gratings / self-assembly / flexible photonics / tunable optics / smart sensors
© J. He et al., Published by EDP Sciences, 2026
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
