Switchable phase modulation and multifunctional metasurface with vanadium dioxide layer

Abstract

Metasurface, comprising subwavelength unit cells, offers a flexible modulation of the optical phase. However, traditional metasurfaces are typically engineered to function solely in one mode, limiting their efficiency and adaptability. In this study, we proposed a switchable metasurface consisting of gold bars deposited on polyimide and vanadium dioxide (VO2) layer. Upon the phase transition of VO2, this switchable metasurface exhibits functionality in both transmissive and reflective modes. Specifically, it efficiently converts left circularly polarized (LCP) light into right circularly polarized (RCP) light. For the dielectric (metallic) phases of VO2, the design behaves as metalens with a focal length of 1000 (906) μm at working frequency of 1.2 THz, respectively. Furthermore, the vortex phase can be effectively manipulated with topological number from 1 to 4 through the analysis of the electric field distribution. A directional emission from 12.9° to 42.2° is obtained in the reflective mode and Airy beam paths way can also be well regulated at 1.49 THz. The phase modulation is further achieved by varying the inter-mediums and its thickness. Finally, the sensing ability is explored with different covered solution. Consequently, this multifunctional and adaptable metasurface offers valuable insights for the development of reflectors, modulators, lenses and sensors.