Light-Controlled Nonlocal Mechanical Metamaterials: Bridging Optomechanics and Nonlocal Elasticity

Descriptif détaillé de la thèse / Job description

Introduction and Scientific Context: Mechanical metamaterials  [1-8] have revolutionized how we design materials, demonstrating that geometry can dominate over composition to produce exotic properties such as negative Poisson’s ratio, tunable bandgaps, and wave manipulation. However, most existing metamaterials are still governed by local continuum mechanics and have limited dynamic properties (particularly low losses at low frequencies) , where interactions are restricted to neighboring elements and effective properties are fixed after fabrication .

Recent advances in optomechanics and nanoscale physics suggest a paradigm shift: mechanical responses can be actively controlled using external fields, especially optical forces. In parallel, emerging theoretical developments show that nonlocal elasticity, where interactions extend over finite distances, is required to describe such systems accurately. The combination of these two directions opens a fundamentally new research avenue: field-mediated, nonlocal, and dynamically programmable metamaterials. This PhD project aims to bridge optomechanical control and nonlocal elasticity theory to develop a new class of materials in which light not only actuates mechanical behavior but also induces and controls nonlocal interactions across the structure.

Research Objectives: The central objective of this PhD is to establish a unified framework for light-controlled nonlocal mechanical metamaterials, integrating experimental optomechanical design with advanced theoretical modeling:

Specifically, the project will:

• Develop 3D optomechanical metamaterial architectures where light acts as a tunable mechanical interaction (optical springs, radiation pressure, gradient forces).
• Formulate a nonlocal elasticity framework capable of incorporating optical forces as long-range couplings.
• Demonstrate light-induced nonlocal behavior, such as spatially extended stiffness modulation and dispersion engineering.
• Validate theoretical predictions through numerical simulations and experimental prototypes.

This research directly addresses the limitation of classical continuum models, which cannot capture field-mediated, long-range interactions.  

Bibliography

[1] Alù, A. and Engheta, N. (2011) Metamaterials with extreme parameters: New challenges for design and applications. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, 59(10), 3631–3640

[2] Chen, L., Li, Q. and Zhang, Z. (2024) Tunable optomechanical effects in metamaterials for dynamic applications. Nature Materials, 23(5), 562–567

[3] Y Chen, et al., Nature Reviews Physics 7, 299–312 (2025)

[4] Milton, G. W. (2006) The theory of metamaterials. Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 462(2075), 285–302

[5] Yang, Z. and Zhang, H. (2023) Energy harvesting with optomechanical metamaterials. Nano Energy, 87, 106231

[6] C. Li, D. Wang, J. Chen, et al. “Coupling in a Non-Hermitian Metamaterial.” Physical Review Letters 132 (2024): 156601.

[7] Y. Chen, S. Guenneau, M. Kadic, et al. “Anomalous frozen evanescent phonons.” Nature Communications 15 (2024): 7563.

[8] P. Jiao, Q. Zhang, D. M. Kochmann. “Mechanical metamaterials and beyond.” Nature Communications 14 (2023): 41679.

FEMTO-ST

SUPMICROTECH

Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

Applicant profile

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in physics, mechanics, or engineering, with solid knowledge of continuum mechanics, wave propagation, or photonics, and an interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of mechanics and optics. Experience in numerical modeling (e.g., FEM) and/or micro–nano fabrication or experimental techniques is highly desirable, along with strong analytical skills and motivation to work on cutting-edge metamaterials.

Preferred selection criteria:

- Physics or engineering school in mechanics or optics

- with a research experience during master’s intership

- with programming skills in FEM and Matlab

Personal characteristics:
- Autonomous, B2 in English