Abstract:Metasurfaces have greatly facilitated the miniaturization and integration of infrared systems due to their unique ability to manipulate optical fields at the subwavelength scale. The static nature of conventional metasurfaces, however, poses a limitation as their functions are immutable post-fabrication, hindering dynamic applications. Consequently, tunable metasurfaces have been developed to provide reconfigurable functionality through various dynamic tuning mechanisms, demonstrating significant application potential in areas like infrared detection and imaging. This paper focuses on the emerging field of infrared detection and imaging, systematically reviewing the latest key research progress of tunable metasurfaces in dynamic optical field manipulation. It outlines breakthrough achievements in applications such as beam steering and scanning, dynamic zoom imaging systems, acquisition and manipulation of multidimensional optical field information, and infrared stealth technology. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the main technical challenges currently faced by tunable metasurfaces and provides an outlook on future research directions and broad application prospects in promoting the development of next-generation high-performance, intelligent, and multifunctional infrared detection and imaging systems.