Single chip simultaneous chiral and achiral imaging based on high efficiency 3D plasmonic metalens

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Chiral imaging and polarimetric detection are crucial for various scientific fields.
• Existing methods often require complex setups or lack efficiency.
• Metasurfaces offer a promising platform for miniaturized optical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a single-chip metasurface for simultaneous chiral and achiral imaging.
• To achieve high-efficiency polarimetric detection by separating circular polarizations.
• To develop a versatile platform for integrated optics and biomolecule detection.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a three-dimensional plasmonic metalens (3D-PM) using anisotropic nanopillars.
• Integration of propagating and geometric phases for polarization control.
• Utilizing coupled Fabry-Pérot cavity and localized surface plasmons for enhanced performance.

Main Results:

• Experimental demonstration of simultaneous chiral and achiral imaging with resolution near the diffraction limit.
• Achieved high extinction ratio (~33:1) for circular polarizations.
• Obtained a high energy efficiency of ~63% at 1550 nm.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D-PM offers a novel and simplified approach for chiral/achiral imaging and polarimetric measurements.
• The device integrates multiple functionalities onto a single chip.
• Potential applications include integrated optics, optical communication, and biomolecule detection.