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Optical Activity Modulation in Chiral Metasurfaces via Structured Light
Paula L Lalaguna1, Shun Hashiyada2, Nikolaj Gadegaard3
1School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
Nano Letters
|August 5, 2025
Summary
Scientists developed a new all-optical method to control optical activity in chiral metasurfaces using structured light. This noninvasive technique allows real-time, reversible tuning of chiroptical properties for advanced nanophotonic applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanophotonics
- Chiroptics
- Metasurface Optics
Background:
- Chiral metasurfaces exhibit unique optical properties crucial for advanced photonic devices.
- Conventional methods for tuning optical activity often involve slow, invasive, or irreversible processes.
- Developing real-time, noninvasive methods for optical modulation remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a real-time, all-optical method for modulating optical activity in chiral metasurfaces.
- To achieve dynamic control of chiroptical properties without altering metasurface geometry.
- To overcome limitations of conventional methods in terms of response time and energy efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing structured light, specifically tightly focused Laguerre-Gaussian beams with spin and orbital angular momentum.
- Employing selective excitation of optically dark multipolar modes within the chiral metasurface.
- Leveraging the field gradients of structured light to access otherwise inactive optical modes.
Main Results:
- Achieved real-time, all-optical modulation of optical activity in chiral metasurfaces.
- Demonstrated dynamic control of dichroism through selective excitation of multipolar modes.
- Showcased a noninvasive and reversible tuning method, overcoming conventional limitations.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique enables high-speed, contactless tuning of chiroptical properties.
- This method opens new possibilities for adaptive nanophotonic systems.
- Potential applications include quantum sensors, polarization controllers, and quantum encryption.
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