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]

Core Viewpoint - 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 control of electric and thermal fields, addressing a significant challenge in multi-physical field coupling [1][2]. Group 1: Research Innovation - The electro-thermal lattice metamaterial is designed using a modular strategy, creating a lattice network of identical unit cells connected by high thermal and electrical conductivity "bridges" [1]. - This new design paradigm enables the adjustment of the spatial position and geometric shape of the unit cells to achieve collaborative shaping of electric and thermal fields, overcoming the limitations of traditional static designs [1]. Group 2: Functional Demonstration - The research team 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 for "aggregation," and change the direction of field propagation for "rotation" [2]. - The team showcased the strong customization capabilities of the metamaterial by fabricating devices in complex shapes such as hearts and pentagons [2]. Group 3: Implications for Technology - This research represents the first achievement in programmable decoupled control of coupled electric and thermal fields, challenging the traditional understanding that "material properties determine field control capabilities" [2].