Electrically switchable 2<sup>N</sup>-channel wave-front control for certain functionalities with N cascaded polarization-dependent metasurfaces.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39333169.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-52676-w and PMC identifier 11436973.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
- Because redistribution is not established, this page shows the abstract only. Follow the links below for the full text.
Abstract
Metasurfaces with tunable functionalities are greatly desired for modern optical system and various applications. To increase the operating channels of polarization-multiplexed metasurfaces, we proposed a structure of N cascaded dual-channel metasurfaces to achieve 2<sup>N</sup> electrically switchable channels without intrinsic loss or cross-talk for certain functionalities, including beam steering, vortex beam generation, lens, etc. As proof of principles, we have implemented a 3-layer setup to achieve 8 channels. In success, we have demonstrated two typical functionalities of vortex beam generation with switchable topological charge of l = -3 ~ +4 or l = -1 ~ -8, and beam steering with the deflection direction switchable in an 8×1 line or a 4×2 grid. We believe that our proposal would provide a practical way to significantly increase the scalability and extend the functionality of polarization-multiplexed metasurfaces. Although this method is not universal, it is potential for the applications of LiDAR, glasses-free 3D display, OAM (de)multiplexing, and varifocal meta-lens.