Multichannel Single-Photon Emissions with On-Demand Momentums by Using Anisotropic Quantum Metasurfaces

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Quantum Information Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Controlling photon momentum is crucial for quantum information processing and storage.
• Existing methods using isotropic metasurfaces face challenges with precise phase control and alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel anisotropic metasurface for independent control of multiple photon momentums.
• To overcome limitations of isotropic metasurfaces in manipulating spin and linear momentum.

Main Methods:

• Design of an anisotropic metasurface with anisotropically arranged anisotropic nanoscatterers.
• Utilizing phase-independent schemes for spin angular momentum (SAM) control.
• Employing phase-dependent schemes for linear momentum (LM) control.

Main Results:

• Independent control of SAM and LM for single photons.
• Robust alignment between quantum emitters and metasurfaces via phase-independent scheme.
• Extended range (up to 53°) for tailoring LMs due to amended geometrical phases for oblique emissions.
• Experimental demonstration of three-channel single-photon emissions with independent SAMs and LMs.

Conclusions:

• Anisotropic metasurfaces offer a flexible and efficient approach for tailoring single-photon emissions.
• The proposed design method provides greater control over photon momentum, advancing quantum information applications.