Completely spin-decoupled geometric phase of a metasurface

Metasurfaces have provided an unprecedented degree of freedom (DOF) in the manipulation of electromagnetic waves. A geometric phase can be readily obtained by rotating the meta-atoms of a metasurface. Nevertheless, such geometric phases are usually spin-coupled, with the same magnitude but opposite signs for left- and right-handed circularly polarized (LCP and RCP) waves. To achieve independent control of LCP and RCP waves, it is crucial to obtain spin-decoupled geometric phases. In this paper, we propose to obtain completely spin-decoupled geometric phases by engineering the surface current paths on meta-atoms. Based on the rotational Doppler effect, the rotation manner is first analyzed, and it is found that the generation of a geometric phase lies in the rotation of the surface current paths on meta-atoms. Since the induced surface current paths under the LCP and RCP waves always start oppositely and are mirror-symmetrical with each other, it is natural that the geometric phases have the same magnitude and opposite signs when the meta-atoms are rotated. To obtain spin-decoupled geometric phases, the induced surface current under one spin should be rotated by one angle while the current under the other spin is rotated by a different angles. In this way, LCP and RCP waves can acquire different geometric phase changes. Proof-of-principle prototypes were designed, fabricated, and measured. Both the simulation and experiment results verify spin-decoupled geometric phases. This work provides a robust means to obtain a spindependent geometric phase and can be readily extended to higher frequency bands such as the terahertz, IR, and optical regimes.

Automated summary

Metasurfaces provide a powerful tool for manipulating electromagnetic waves, but the geometric phases they generate are usually spin-coupled. This study proposes a method to obtain spin-decoupled geometric phases by engineering the surface current paths on meta-atoms. Proof-of-principle prototypes were designed and measured, confirming the success of this approach.