Analysis of a dual-twist Pancharatnam phase device with ultrahigh-efficiency large-angle optical beam steering

It has been previously shown that a Pancharatnam phase device with a dual-twist structure can deflect light up to 60° with nearly perfect efficiency. This was beyond the limits previously assumed for these types of devices, which were considered to be optically similar to Raman-Nath gratings. In this paper we first consider the range of parameters that will allow for high efficiency and show the results for a structure that demonstrates 80° deflection. We then explore the light propagation through these devices to point out interesting intensity variations in the deflected mode of light as it traverses the deflecting layer. Finally, we explain the key to understanding the efficiency of these devices, which is not the typical parameters that are important for traditional diffractive devices, but rather the control of the polarization state of light. We provide a simple design approach for optimizing the twist angle and retardation for high efficiency.