Disordered optical metasurfaces: from light manipulation to energy harvesting

Metasurfaces, the planar version of artificial structured media at sub-wavelength scale, provide the ability to manipulate light wave in a naturally unavailable way. They offer an unprecedented platform for a plethora of applications ranging from holography, imaging, optical communication to nonlinear light source and quantum computing. Conventionally and straightforwardly, metasurfaces are prepared in ordered configuration, aiming at reducing the geometric fluctuations to guarantee a good performance as designed. On the other hand, the inevitability of fabrication imperfection in nanophotonics and unique properties of disorder have been inspiring the exploration of the metasurfaces with novel design. To supplement the comprehensiveness in review for metasurfaces, here, we overview the mechanisms, characteristics and related applications of disordered metasurfaces, concentrating on recent progresses from light manipulation to energy harvesting and beyond. Besides reviewing the achievements in a wide range of applications with disordered metasurface, we provide an outlook on their future developments. With unique features, disordered metasurface may be a promising alternative for the ordered ones, especially for the practical requirement for large-scale production.

Automated summary

Metasurfaces, the planar version of artificial structured media at sub-wavelength scale, provide unprecedented capabilities in manipulating light waves. They have a wide range of applications in holography, imaging, optical communication, nonlinear light source, and quantum computing. This article reviews the mechanisms, characteristics, and applications of disordered metasurfaces, and discusses their potential as a promising alternative to ordered ones.