Multifunctional full-space origami reconfigurable metasurface for spin-decoupled wavefront manipulation

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetism
• Materials Science
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Dynamic manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves is crucial for high-capacity communications and EM information processing.
• Origami metasurfaces offer dynamic wavefront modulation, primarily for spin light, but face limitations in spin states and operational ranges.
• Achieving multifunctional, dynamic EM wave control efficiently and cost-effectively remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a multifunctional full-space origami metasurface with spin-decoupled wavefront control.
• To overcome the limitations of existing metasurfaces regarding locked spin states and limited operational ranges.
• To demonstrate a versatile platform for dynamic wavefront manipulation in electromagnetic applications.

Main Methods:

• Combining geometric phase and propagation phase in a single-layered resonant structure.
• Utilizing a straightforward deformation technique to transform planar metasurfaces into 3D meta-structures for spatial pattern modification.
• Experimental demonstration of a proof-of-concept meta-device.

Main Results:

• The proposed origami metasurface achieves full-space and spin-decoupled wavefront control.
• Demonstrated fundamental functions include near-field focusing and far-field anomalous reflections and refractions.
• Experimental results closely align with simulation outcomes and theoretical expectations, confirming the design's superior quality.

Conclusions:

• The developed multifunctional origami metasurface offers dynamic, spin-decoupled wavefront control.
• This technology presents unexplored opportunities for applications in multifunctional radar detection and reconfigurable photonics devices.
• The design provides a versatile and efficient platform for advanced EM wave manipulation.