Topology Optimization Enables High-<i>Q</i> Metasurface for Color Selectivity.

Su, Huan-Teng; Wang, Lu-Yun; Hsu, Chih-Yao; Wu, Yun-Chien; Lin, Chang-Yi; Chang, Shu-Ming; Huang, Yao-Wei · Nano Lett · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Nonlocal metasurfaces, exemplified by resonant waveguide gratings (RWGs), spatially and angularly configure optical wavefronts through narrow-band resonant modes, unlike the broad-band and broad-angle responses of local metasurfaces. However, forward design techniques for RWGs remain constrained at lower efficiency. Here, we present a topology-optimized metasurface resonant waveguide grating (MRWG) composed of titanium dioxide on a glass substrate capable of operating simultaneously at red, yellow, green, and blue wavelengths. Through adjoint-based topology optimization, while considering nonlocal effects, we significantly enhance its diffraction efficiency, achieving numerical efficiencies up to 78% and <i>Q</i>-factors as high as 1362. Experimentally, we demonstrated efficiencies of up to 59% with a <i>Q</i>-factor of 93. Additionally, we applied our topology-optimized metasurface to color selectivity, producing vivid colors at 4 narrow-band wavelengths. Our investigation represents a significant advancement in metasurface technology, with potential applications in see-through optical combiners and augmented reality platforms.