Arbitrary and Independent Polarization Control In Situ via a Single Metasurface

Abstract

A single metasurface is demonstrated with powerful manipulating capability to arbitrarily and independently tune the phase profiles of orthogonal polarization states using subwavelength tunable cross‐shaped element (TCE) arrays. Here, the arbitrary control of the phase profiles must be distinguished from the semiarbitrary phase control using multiple predesigned metasurfaces with one‐to‐one functionality. The decoupled tuning of phase profiles for orthogonal polarization states bestows the metasurface with additional degree of freedom to manipulate the electromagnetic wave for multifunctionality. As a proof of concept, a tunable polarization beam splitter, a dynamic beam steering component, and a quarter waveplate are demonstrated using one single metasurface. This metasurface has promising applications on versatile and function‐switchable photonic components, such as polarization optical devices, compact functional devices, communication systems, and wave controlling devices, to name just a few.

Malus-metasurface-assisted polarization multiplexing

“…The advanced anisotropy manipulation of metasurfaces indicates the capability of achieving dual polarization multiplexing for two beams of orthogonal LP light. For example, by changing the arm length of a cross-shaped nanostructure 18,19 or the dimensions of a nanoscale pillar [20][21][22][23][24] , the phase or amplitude of orthogonal LP light can be independently controlled, and then, polarizing beam splitters 18,20 , dualchannel nanoprinting devices 19,21,22 , step-zoom lenses 23 , 3D holograms 24 , and devices with other functionalities can be realized. Furthermore, the phase of orthogonal CP light 25 , any orthogonal polarized light 26 , or even nonorthogonal polarized light 27 can be independently modulated in two polarization modes by simultaneously elaborately designing the dimensions and orientations of nanostructures.…”

Tunable/Reconfigurable Metasurfaces: Physics and Applications

“…The measured absolute focusing efficiency is about 36% due to material losses and deviations in phase/amplitude distributions, and the modulation speed reaches 100000 or 105 switches/s [114]. Meanwhile, microfluidics technology was also widely used to realize tunable metadevices in the microwave regime, such as tunable metalenses [50], dynamically controlled beam deflectors [119], and tunable polarization convertors [35, 120]. The working mechanism is that microfluidic network can individually and continuously control the EM response of each meta-atom, through varying the filling factor of metal liquid or solvent.…”

Recent Advances in MEMS Metasurfaces and Their Applications on Tunable Lens

“…In this way, a broadband and tunable polarization converter is realized by microfluidic metasurfaces. Recently, decoupled tuning of two orthogonal polarization states is realized using metasurfaces driven by microfluidic system [68].…”