Generation of integer and fractional perfect vortex beams using all-dielectric geometrical phase metasurfaces

• Published in: Applied physics letters Vol. 120; no. 20
• Main Authors: Cheng, Kaixiang, Liu, Zexu, Hu, Zheng-Da, Cao, Guoyang, Wu, Jingjing, Wang, Jicheng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melville American Institute of Physics 16-05-2022
• Subjects: Applied physics; Broadband; Circular polarization; Electromagnetic radiation; Electron beams; Integers; Metamaterials; Metasurfaces; Optical components; Polarized light; Topology; Unit cell; Vortices
• ISSN: 0003-6951; 1077-3118
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0094549

Perfect vortex (PV) beams possess a radial intensity profile independent of their topological charges, overcoming the defects of the regular vortex beams. However, the bulky optical elements used in conventional methods for generation of PV beams limit their potential applications. Metasurfaces are ultra-thin version of metamaterials with the flexible ability of controlling electromagnetic waves, promising great potential applications in many optical fields. Here, an all-dielectric metasurface based on a geometrical phase is demonstrated, featuring broadband and high efficiency in manipulation of circularly polarized light. We numerically simulate the performance of the unit-cell and metasurface for generating PV beams carrying integer and fractional topological charges. We hope the designed metasurface will provide an ultra-compact way for generation of high-quality PV beams.