Toward the capacity limit of 2D planar Jones matrix with a single-layer metasurface

Abstract

The Jones matrix is a useful tool to deal with polarization problems, and its number of degrees of freedom (DOFs) that can be manipulated represents its polarization-controlled capabilities. A metasurface is a planar structure that can control light in a desired manner, which, however, has a limited number of controlled DOFs (≤4) in the Jones matrix. Here, we propose a metasurface design strategy to construct a Jones matrix with six DOFs, approaching the upper-limit number of a 2D planar structure. We experimentally demonstrate several polarization functionalities that can only be achieved with high (five or six) DOFs of the Jones matrix, such as polarization elements with independent amplitude and phase tuning along its fast and slow axes, triple-channel complex-amplitude holography, and triple sets of printing-hologram integrations. Our work provides a platform to design arbitrary complex polarization elements, which paves the way to a broader exploitation of polarization optics.

All‐Dielectric Trifunctional Metasurface Capable of Independent Amplitude and Phase Modulation

“…[32][33][34][35][36][37] Recently, a metasurface design strategy was proposed, which can construct a Jones matrix with six degrees of freedom and realize multichannel complex amplitude holography. [38] A universal all-dielectric metasurface platform that independently manipulates the amplitude and phase distribution of two orthogonal polarization states was proposed. [39] To satisfy the demands of complex amplitude modulation and multifunctionality simultaneously, in this work, we propose an all-silicon multifunctional metasurface platform that can independently modulate the amplitude and phase profiles of the coand cross-polarized components of the incident circularly polarized wave.…”

“…[ 32–37 ] Recently, a metasurface design strategy was proposed, which can construct a Jones matrix with six degrees of freedom and realize multichannel complex amplitude holography. [ 38 ] A universal all‐dielectric metasurface platform that independently manipulates the amplitude and phase distribution of two orthogonal polarization states was proposed. [ 39 ]…”

Metasurface-empowered spectral and spatial light modulation for disruptive holographic displays

“…4c). 131 The phase in the Jones matrix can be controlled not only by the PB phase but also by the ET phase. Recently, a new concept for metasurfaces, to modulate the wavefront using the topological nature of meta-atoms, has been proposed.…”

Controllable Polarization and Diffraction Modulated Multi‐Functionality Based on Metasurface

“…Furthermore, several polarization functionalities that can only be achieved with high degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the Jones matrix have been successfully demonstrated based on coherent pixel method. [ 31 ] Hence, the diverse design freedoms offered by meta‐atoms for realizing desired Jones matrix as well as a variety of smart algorithms can motivate metasurfaces to achieve many novel functionalities that may not be easily accomplished in traditional optics.…”