Controllable propagation of vector beams guided by a metasurface

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metamaterials
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Controlling vector beam trajectories is crucial for advanced optical applications.
• Existing methods for beam manipulation often lack flexibility in trajectory control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a holographic metasurface for controlling the propagation trajectories of parallel vector beams.
• To enable customized, straight, or winding paths for vector beams.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a holographic metasurface composed of identical amorphous silicon (A-Si) nanopillars on a glass substrate.
• Utilizing the metasurface to manipulate both the in-plane polarization state and the propagation trajectory of vector beams.
• Verification through simulations and experimental measurements of vector beams with varying orders and trajectories.

Main Results:

• The designed metasurface successfully controls the propagation of parallel vector beams along customized trajectories.
• Demonstrated manipulation of vector beam order and realization of both straight and winding paths.
• Simulated and measured results confirm the metasurface's performance and effectiveness.

Conclusions:

• The holographic metasurface offers a versatile platform for generating vector beams with parallel output, controllable order, and customized trajectories.
• This technique significantly enhances the convenience and possibilities for practical vector beam applications.
• The developed method provides a novel approach to beam shaping and propagation control in optics.