Efficient generation of complex vectorial optical fields with metasurfaces

Vectorial optical fields (VOFs) exhibiting arbitrarily designed wavefronts and polarization distributions are highly desired in photonics. However, current methods to generate them either require complicated setups or exhibit limited functionalities, which is unfavorable for integration-optics applications. Here, we propose a generic approach to efficiently generate arbitrary VOFs based on metasurfaces exhibiting full-matrix yet inhomogeneous Jones-matrix distributions. We illustrate our strategy with analytical calculations on a model system and an experimental demonstration of a meta-device that can simultaneously deflect light and manipulate its polarization. Based on these benchmark results, we next experimentally demonstrate the generation of a far-field VOF exhibiting both a vortex wavefront and an inhomogeneous polarization distribution. Finally, we design/fabricate a meta-device and experimentally demonstrate that it can generate a complex near-field VOF-a cylindrically polarized surface plasmon wave possessing orbital angular momentum-with an efficiency of similar to 34%. Our results establish an efficient and ultracompact platform for generating arbitrary predesigned VOFs in both the near- and far-fields, which may find many applications in optical manipulation and communications.

Automated summary

This study introduces a generic approach based on metasurfaces to efficiently generate arbitrarily designed vectorial optical fields, showing applications in a model system and experimental devices. The research successfully demonstrates the generation of far-field and near-field VOFs with specific wavefronts and polarization distributions, with high efficiency.