Extreme-Angle Silicon Infrared Optics Enabled by Streamlined Surfaces

Infrared optical systems are indispensable in almost all domains of society, but their performances are often restricted by bulky size, small field of view, large thermal sensitivity, high fabrication cost, etc. Here, based on the concept of catenary optics, a novel isophase streamline optimization approach is leveraged to design silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible metasurfaces with broadband, wide-angle, and high-efficiency performances, which breaks through the glass ceiling of traditional optical technologies. By using the truly local geometric phase, a maximum diffraction efficiency approaching 100% is obtained in ultrawide spectral and angular ranges. Somewhat surprising results are shown in that wide-angle diffraction-limited imaging and laser beam steering can be realized with a record field of view up to 178 degrees. This methodology is scalable to the entire optical band and other materials, enabling unprecedented compact infrared systems for surveillance, unmanned vehicles, medical science, etc.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel infrared optical system design based on catenary optics and isophase streamline optimization was proposed, leading to high-efficiency, wide-angle, and broadband performance. The breakthrough technology achieved near 100% diffraction efficiency in ultrawide spectral and angular ranges, enabling wide-angle diffraction-limited imaging and laser beam steering with a field of view up to 178 degrees. This methodology is scalable to the entire optical band and various materials, offering compact infrared systems for surveillance, unmanned vehicles, medical science, and more.