Switchable imaging between edge-enhanced and bright-field based on a phase-change metasurface

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Edge-enhanced imaging and bright-field imaging provide complementary morphological information.
• Dynamic switching between imaging modes is crucial for diverse applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate dynamic switching between 2D edge-enhanced and bright-field imaging using a meta-device.
• To develop a polarization-independent imaging system with potential for integrated applications.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a custom meta-device with phase-change material meta-atoms into a 4f imaging system.
• Optimization of meta-atoms to exhibit distinct phase profiles in amorphous and crystalline states.
• Utilizing the meta-device as a switchable high-pass or low-pass filter in the Fourier frequency spectrum.

Main Results:

• Successful dynamic switching between edge-enhanced and bright-field imaging was achieved.
• The meta-device exhibited polarization-independent operation.
• The developed system features an ultra-thin architecture.

Conclusions:

• The proposed meta-device enables dynamic, polarization-insensitive switching between two imaging modalities.
• This technology holds promise for integrated biomedical imaging and defect detection systems.