Complete vectorial optical mode converter using multi-layer metasurface.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40855084.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-025-62401-w and PMC identifier 12379251.
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Abstract
Vectorial optical mode converters that can transform orthogonal sets of multiple input vector beams into other orthogonal sets are attractive for various applications in optics and photonics. While multi-plane light conversion (MPLC) and metasurface technologies have been explored to individually address multiple spatial mode conversion and polarization mode manipulation, there has been no universal methodology to simultaneously convert a set of multiple vectorial modes with spatially non-uniform wavefronts and polarizations. Here, we present a general device framework to achieve complete vectorial mode conversion based on the MPLC concept incorporating multi-layer metasurfaces. The effectiveness of our method is confirmed experimentally by demonstrating 6-mode (3 spatial modes × 2 polarization modes) multiplexer fabricated on a compact chip. Additionally, we apply it to design devices with more advanced functionalities: a mode-division-multiplexed dual-polarization coherent receiver and spatial-mode-multiplexed vectorial holography. The versatility of our protocol makes it a powerful tool for realizing universal optical mode converters.