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Magnetically switchable metalens for polarization-dependent nonreciprocal forward-propagating wavefront manipulations
Optics Express
|August 14, 2026
Summary
We developed a magnetically switchable metalens that controls light polarization. This device enables independent focusing of left- and right-handed circularly polarized waves, crucial for advanced optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Metamaterials and Nanophotonics
- Electromagnetics and Wave Phenomena
Background:
- Metasurfaces offer precise control over light wavefronts.
- Achieving spin-selective and nonreciprocal control simultaneously remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a nonreciprocal hybrid-phase magnetically switchable metalens (MSM).
- To enable independent manipulation of left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) and right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) waves.
Main Methods:
- Integration of geometric and propagation phases for tailored phase response.
- Utilizing a ferrite slab with magnetic bias to control polarization handedness.
- Adjusting dielectric post height to introduce an additional propagation phase for wavefront control.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated cooperative focusing of both LHCP and RHCP waves.
- Achieved a spin-dependent nonreciprocal response with up to 9.17 dB isolation under ±10 mT magnetic bias.
- Overcame the spin-locking constraint inherent in Pancharatnam-Berry phase-only designs.
Conclusions:
- The proposed MSM offers a reconfigurable platform for polarization-dependent nonreciprocal wave manipulation.
- The use of commercially available ferrite material simplifies fabrication.
- Potential applications include adaptive microwave imaging and integrated nonreciprocal components.
