Geometric and physical configurations of meta-atoms for advanced metasurface holography

Metasurfaces consisting of subwavelength structures, so-called meta-atoms, have steadily attracted considerable attention for advanced pi due to their advantages in terms of high-resolution holographic images, large field of view, and compact device volume. In contrast to conventional holographic displays using bulky conventional diffractive optical elements, metasurface pi enables arbitrary complex wavefront shaping with a much smaller footprint. In this review, we classify metasurface holography according to the meta-atom design methodologies, which can further expand hologram functionalities. We describe light-matter interactions, particularly in metasurface systems, using the relevant the Jones matrix to rigorously explain modulations of the amplitude, phase, and polarization of light. Six different types of meta-atoms are presented, and the corresponding achievable wavefronts that form the holographic images in the far-field are also provided. Such a simple classification will give a straightforward approach to design and further realize advanced metasurface holographic devices.

Automated summary

Metasurfaces made of subwavelength structures, known as meta-atoms, have been attracting attention for their advantages in high-resolution holographic images, large field of view, and compact device volume. In this review, metasurface holography is classified based on meta-atom design methodologies, which can expand hologram functionalities. The interaction of light and matter in metasurface systems is described using the Jones matrix to explain modulations of light amplitude, phase, and polarization.