Core Insights - The research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has developed an innovative electro-thermal lattice metamaterial that allows for both independent and collaborative programming control of electric and thermal fields, addressing a significant challenge in multi-physical field coupling control [1][2]. Group 1: Research Innovation - The new design paradigm of electro-thermal lattice metamaterials utilizes a modular design strategy, creating a lattice network composed of identical lattice units connected by high thermal and electrical conductivity "bridges" [1]. - By adjusting the spatial positions and geometric shapes of the lattice units within a unified topological framework, the team has achieved collaborative shaping of electric and thermal fields, overcoming the limitations of traditional static designs [1][2]. Group 2: Functional Demonstration - The research team successfully demonstrated multiple functionalities of electric and thermal fields on the same metamaterial device, including the ability to guide field lines around a region for "invisibility," focus energy at a point, and change the direction of field propagation [2]. - The team has also fabricated complex-shaped field control devices, such as heart and pentagram shapes, showcasing the strong customization capabilities of this metamaterial [2]. Group 3: Implications for Technology Development - This research represents the first successful programmable decoupling control of coupled electric and thermal fields, challenging the traditional understanding that "material properties determine field control capabilities" [2]. - The findings provide core technological support for the development of devices in complex multi-physical field environments, which is crucial for advanced applications in smart energy management and high-performance electronic devices [1][2].

Core Insights - The research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has developed an innovative electro-thermal lattice metamaterial that allows for the independent and collaborative programming of electric and thermal fields, addressing a significant challenge in multi-physical field coupling control [1][2] Group 1: Research Breakthrough - The new design paradigm of electro-thermal lattice metamaterials enables precise control over both electric and thermal fields simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of traditional materials which have fixed properties and static designs [1] - The research team utilized a modular design strategy, constructing the metamaterial as a lattice network of identical unit cells connected by high thermal and electrical conductivity "bridges" [1][2] Group 2: Functional Demonstration - The innovative architecture successfully demonstrated multiple functionalities of electric and thermal fields within the same metamaterial device, including the ability to guide field lines around a region for "invisibility," focus energy at a point, and change the direction of field propagation [2] - The team showcased the capability to create complex shapes such as heart and pentagon forms for field control devices, highlighting the strong customization potential of this technology [2] Group 3: Implications for Technology Development - This research marks the first achievement in programmable decoupled control of electric and thermal coupling fields, challenging the traditional understanding that "material properties determine field control capabilities" [2] - The findings provide essential technological support for the development of devices in complex multi-physical field environments, which are crucial for advanced applications in smart energy management and high-performance electronic devices [1][2]