On the 31st, the journal Nature Materials published an important research achievement in the field of nanophotonic device interconnection online. Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, and other institutions have successfully solved the problem of cross structure transmission of optical signals in nanophotonic devices by utilizing the "wake" effect generated during ship navigation. This has opened up a new path for remote connection, precise guidance, and directional control of photon signals in the future, and is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of optical computing and information processing. In the field of nanophotonics, how to efficiently shuttle optical signals between different structures is a key challenge to improve the integration of nanophotonic devices. Polariton is a special type of surface light wave generated by the interaction between light and matter. It can compress light at the nanoscale, achieving powerful light field enhancement. With its strong light confinement ability, low energy loss, and significant directionality, polaritons have shown great potential in the integration of nanophotonic devices. However, the light field generated by polaritons rapidly decays, making it difficult to transmit across different structures, which becomes a key bottleneck restricting their application in practical photonic devices. In this study, researchers drew inspiration from a leaky wave phenomenon that excels at radiating energy into the surrounding space, cleverly combining the strong focusing ability of polaritons with the directional propagation characteristics of leaky waves to create a new type of light wave mode similar to "stern waves" in special layered materials. This' light wake 'successfully solves the problem of difficult transmission of light waves between different material structures. In the experiment, high-speed light waves' leaked' from specific structures, forming a directionally controllable wake like a ship pushing open the water surface. Polarized polaritons' leaked into surrounding materials along such a wake, achieving cross structure transmission, 'said Hu Hai, co corresponding author of the paper and associate researcher at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, vividly. Further research has found that by rotating the material layer, the direction, shape, and propagation speed of the 'optical wake' can be modulated. ”The co corresponding author of the paper, Professor Dai Qing from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, stated that this work cleverly integrates nano optical confinement and far-field transmission capabilities. It not only solves the scientific problem of cross structure transmission of polaritons at the nanoscale in principle, but also pushes it to the level of controllable and integrated practical devices, which is of great significance for promoting the development of technologies such as optical computing and high-speed information processing. (New Society)