Switchable chiral mirror based on PIN diodes

Chiral mirrors can produce spin selective absorption for left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) or right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) waves. However, the previously proposed chiral mirror only absorbs the designated circularly polarized (CP) wave in the microwave frequency band, lacking versatility in practical applications. Here, we propose a switchable chiral mirror based on a pair of PIN diodes. The switchable chiral mirror has four working states, switching from the handedness-preserving mirror to the LCP mirror, RCP mirror, and perfect absorber. The basis of these advances is to change the chirality of two-dimensional (2D) chiral metamaterials and the circular conversion dichroism related to it, which is the first report in the microwave frequency band. Surface current distributions shed light on how switchable chiral mirrors work by handedness-selective excitation of reflective and absorbing electric dipole modes. Energy loss distributions verify the working mechanism. The thickness of the switchable chiral mirror is one-tenth of the working wavelength, which is suitable for integrated manufacturing. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results.& COPY; 2023 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

The proposed switchable chiral mirror based on PIN diodes allows for spin selective absorption of LCP or RCP waves. It has four working states, functioning as a handedness-preserving mirror, LCP mirror, RCP mirror, and perfect absorber. This is the first report of its kind in the microwave frequency band, achieved by changing the chirality of 2D chiral metamaterials and the circular conversion dichroism related to it.