Single-layer metasurface for simultaneous Fourier-domain filtering and polarization-resolved edge imaging.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metasurface Technology
• Image Processing

Background:

• Traditional 4f optical systems physically separate Fourier and image planes for spatial processing.
• Existing methods often require multiple steps or complex setups for detailed imaging analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, single-exposure system for simultaneous spatial filtering and imaging.
• To achieve polarization-resolved edge imaging using metasurface technology.
• To enable on-chip polarization imaging and compact optical processing.

Main Methods:

• A metasurface-based imaging system was designed, incorporating a quadratic phase factor at the object plane.
• A metasurface with integrated filtering and focusing capabilities was placed at the spectral plane.
• Four-channel polarization imaging (x, y, 45°, 135°) was performed in a single exposure.
• The Stokes vector method was used for polarization-state retrieval and reconstruction.

Main Results:

• The system successfully integrated frequency-domain filtering and spatial-domain imaging.
• Simultaneous, polarization-resolved edge imaging was achieved in a single exposure.
• Reconstruction of original polarization information was demonstrated using the Stokes vector method.

Conclusions:

• The proposed metasurface system offers a novel, compact solution for optical processors.
• This synchronous tuning scheme advances on-chip polarization imaging capabilities.
• The integrated approach simplifies complex optical processing tasks.