Programmable polariton canalization in reconfigurable metasurfaces

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nanophotonics
• Metasurfaces

Background:

• Polariton dispersion in twisted van der Waals layers exhibits a topological transition at the photonic magic angle.
• This transition enables a diffraction-less propagation state known as the canalization regime for robust polariton transport.
• Current limitations include the fixed directionality of canalized polaritons, hindering dynamic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate programmable polariton canalization in a reconfigurable metasurface.
• To achieve dynamic, all-angle tunability of canalized polariton propagation direction.
• To explore applications in customized near-field patterns and information display.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a reconfigurable single-layer metasurface.
• Engineering the orientation of metasurface unit cells.
• Demonstration of programmable steering of canalized magnetic polaritons.

Main Results:

• Achieved programmable polariton canalization with dynamic all-angle tunability.
• Demonstrated on-demand steering of canalized polaritons along any in-plane direction.
• Created customized near-field patterns at desired locations.

Conclusions:

• Overcame the limitation of fixed canalization direction in polariton transport.
• Programmable metasurfaces enable on-demand control of polariton energy flows.
• Opens possibilities for integrated photonic devices transcending diffraction limits and enabling new applications.