Breaking the limitation of polarization multiplexing in optical metasurfaces with engineered noise

Noise is usually undesired yet inevitable in science and engineering. However, by introducing the engineered noise to the precise solution of Jones matrix elements, we break the fundamental limit of polarization multiplexing capacity of metasurfaces that roots from the dimension constraints of the Jones matrix. We experimentally demonstrate up to 11 independent holographic images using a single metasurface illuminated by visible light with different polarizations. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest capacity reported for polarization multiplexing. Combining the position multiplexing scheme, the metasurface can generate 36 distinct images, forming a holographic keyboard pattern. This discovery implies a new paradigm for high-capacity optical display, information encryption, and data storage.

Automated summary

By introducing engineered noise to the precise solution of Jones matrix elements, we have surpassed the fundamental limit of polarization multiplexing capacity of metasurfaces. Through experiments, we have achieved up to 11 independent holographic images using a single metasurface illuminated by visible light with different polarizations, which is the highest reported capacity for polarization multiplexing. With the combination of position multiplexing, the metasurface is capable of generating 36 distinct images, forming a holographic keyboard pattern. This discovery opens up new possibilities for high-capacity optical display, information encryption, and data storage.