Cover Image

Polaritons can be considered as a ‘hybrid’ particle made up of light and matter. Polaritons may bahave “anisotropically” in certain medium where the structural and electronic properties are different in different directions. Such phenomenon is very intriguing as it enables enhanced density of optical states and ray-like directional propagation of polaritons. The authors of this manuscript (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12119) give an overview of the recent progress in in-plane anisotropic polaritons launched and visualized in the near-field range in 2D layered van der Waals materials. Future prospects in this emerging but promising field are featured on the basis of its potential applications in flat optics, thermal heat management, bio-sensing or quantum optics.