Emerging Trends in Nanophotonic Systems for Sustainable and Resilient Societies

ABSTRACT Modern technological advances are reshaping the ways we live, travel, and communicate. However, these advances simultaneously introduce new forms of risk, ranging from energy storage hazards to information security threats that demand proactive and multidisciplinary solutions. Nanophotonics, which enables precise control of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, has emerged as a versatile platform for developing functional systems that can improve safety, resilience, and reliability across diverse real–world scenarios. In this review, we explore the growing role of functional nanophotonic materials and structures in managing contemporary safety concerns. We highlight how nanophotonic strategies enable responses to various types of threats, offering advanced functionalities such as real–time sensing, secure authentication, and adaptive vision control. We further discuss emerging trends and future directions for nanophotonic technologies in safety–critical applications, emphasizing their potential to translate into practical implementations for sustainable and resilient societies.