Multidimensional manipulation and encoding of versatile vector vortex beams empowered by phase-change metasurfaces

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metamaterials
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Vector vortex beams, carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) and polarization information, have significant application potential.
• Current 3D optical devices struggle with simultaneous, multidimensional control of vector beam properties.
• Metasurfaces offer compact solutions but lack simultaneous OAM and polarization control for focused beams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a versatile all-dielectric metasurface platform for generating vector vortex beams with customized OAM and polarization states.
• To overcome the limitation of single-function manipulation in existing optical devices.
• To demonstrate simultaneous control over OAM and polarization for focused vector beams using a single metasurface.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a hybrid-phase modulation approach on an all-dielectric metasurface.
• Demonstrated three spin-multiplexed metasurface platforms.
• Employed coherent superposition of orthogonal circularly polarized components with controlled axial phase differences.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated vector vortex beams with customized, independent polarization states and distinct topological charges.
• Created vector vortex beam arrays with coplanar OAM and longitudinal varying polarization states.
• Implemented a metasurface for optical information encryption using customized OAM and polarization states.

Conclusions:

• The developed metasurface platform enables precise tailoring of OAM and polarization states in vector vortex beams.
• This technology opens avenues for advanced beam shaping, polarization switchable devices, and optical information encryption.
• The findings advance the field of versatile light-matter interactions and complex vector field generation.