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Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Demonstration of Equal-Intensity Beam Generation by Dielectric Metasurfaces
Published on: June 7, 2019
All-Dielectric Metasurface-Based Beam Splitter with Arbitrary Splitting Ratio
Xueyu Chen1, Haijian Zou1, Mingyang Su1
1International Collaborative Laboratory of 2D Materials for Optoelectronics Science & Technology of Ministry of Education, Engineering Technology Research Center for 2D Material Information Function Devices and Systems of Guangdong Province, Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
Researchers developed a compact, all-dielectric metasurface beam splitter using nano-rings. This device efficiently divides light beams with adjustable ratios, overcoming limitations of conventional optical components for miniaturized systems.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Nanotechnology
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional beam splitters (prisms, glass plates) are bulky, have fixed splitting ratios, and limited output angles.
- Miniaturization and multi-branch circuit design are key trends in optical system development.
- Existing beam splitters hinder compact optical arrangement design and system integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a novel, compact, all-dielectric metasurface beam splitter.
- To overcome the limitations of conventional beam splitters in terms of size, flexibility, and integration.
- To achieve polarization-independent beam splitting with high efficiency and adjustable ratios.
Main Methods:
- Design of an all-dielectric metasurface composed of symmetric nano-rings.
- Utilizing the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method for simulation and design.
- Tuning nano-ring dimensions (inner/outer radii) to control wavefront phase and create a phase gradient.
- Adjusting substrate refractive index or adding silicon film to modify initial phase and splitting ratio.
Main Results:
- A polarization-independent metasurface beam splitter was designed and simulated.
- Achieved high power efficiency exceeding 92%.
- Demonstrated a compact device footprint of 33.6 μm × 33.6 μm.
- Showcased adjustable splitting ratios ranging from 0.5:1 to 1:1.
- Enabled arbitrary polarization incident beam splitting into two beams with designed transmittance and angle.
Conclusions:
- The developed metasurface beam splitter offers a compact and efficient solution for light division.
- This technology overcomes the size and fixed-ratio limitations of traditional beam splitters.
- The device holds significant potential for next-generation compact optical systems and integrated photonics.
