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Published on: January 28, 2019
Microelectromechanical Systems-Tunable Reflective Metalenses for Switchable Focusing between Two Arbitrary Phase
Zhihao Zhu1,2, Mingwei Tang1,3, Paul C V Thrane4
1State Key Laboratory of Extreme Photonics and Instrumentation, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Autonomous Optoelectronic Perception, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
This study introduces a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-tunable metalens (ML) platform for dynamic wavefront shaping. This novel approach enables arbitrary, continuous 2π-phase modulation for two independent states, overcoming limitations of existing reconfigurable optics.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Microelectromechanical Systems
Background:
- Dynamic metasurfaces (MSs) offer potential for ultracompact reconfigurable optics.
- Current tuning strategies struggle with arbitrary, continuous 2π-phase modulation for dual independent states in wavefront shaping.
- This limits meta-devices to switching between distinct phase profiles and optical functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To overcome limitations in dynamic wavefront shaping for reconfigurable optics.
- To develop a tunable metalens (ML) platform enabling arbitrary and continuous 2π-phase modulation for two independent states.
- To demonstrate dual-phase-map switching for distinct optical functions.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a bilayer metasurface (BMS) with a piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror.
- Development of a MEMS-tunable ML platform for dynamic wavefront shaping.
- Experimental realization of switchable off-axis focusing and vortex metalenses.
Main Results:
- Achieved full 360° × 360° phase coverage in two independently addressable states with high reflection amplitude (0.74-0.85).
- Demonstrated high-efficiency (30-40%) operation across a 650-850 nm spectral range with fast switching (0.58/0.4 ms rise/fall times).
- Successfully realized switchable off-axis focusing and vortex focusing metalenses.
Conclusions:
- The MEMS-tunable ML platform enables arbitrary, dynamically controlled dual-phase-map switching.
- This technology overcomes previous restrictions, paving the way for advanced reconfigurable optical systems.
- The platform can be extended for diverse dynamic optical functionalities, enriching compact optical device portfolios.
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