The manipulation of light waves has been a key focus for scientists in the field of optics for many years. The diffraction of light, where waves spread out as they propagate, has posed a challenge in maintaining the shape and direction of light beams for efficient transmission of energy and information. However, significant breakthroughs have been made in controlling the structure of light, leading to the discovery of non-diffracting beams such as Airy beams (ABs) and Bessel beams (BBs). Despite these advancements, devices for modulating non-diffracting light fields have been bulky and limited in terms of resolution and phase profile encoding.
The development of metasurfaces has revolutionized the field by leveraging the precise arrangement of nanoscale antenna arrays to miniaturize optical devices and achieve multidimensional control of light fields through their birefringence. This technology has been hailed as a key enabler for the development of next-generation photonic integrated platforms. Recent progress in this area includes the successful reconstruction of non-diffracting light fields along the propagation path, showcasing the natural transformation of circularly Airy beams (CABs) into BBs.
The research conducted by the team involved a novel mechanism of joint local-global phase control, enabling the modulation of radial phase gradient and encoding of complex, non-diffracting optical fields. By decomposing the 2D problem into the integration of 1D phase functions and superposition of 2D phase functions, the team was able to illustrate the transformative process visually using theoretical analysis and ray tracing techniques. This process was likened to the “Transformers” of the optical domain, showcasing the metamorphosis of light beams.
Through the modulation of the metasurface, scattered light converged into clear ABs, which then overlapped to form non-diffracting BBs. Additionally, by utilizing triple birefringent nanoantennas, new techniques for structuring light fields were introduced, doubling the number of light field types to six. This expansion of light field types opens up new possibilities for optical manipulation and control.
The team also demonstrated the high tolerance of their device to manufacturing defects, showcasing the robustness of the technology in real-world applications. This research represents a pivotal step in the use of non-diffracting light and enhancing the multifunctionality of metasurfaces. It also lays a solid foundation for the advancement of advanced on-chip, nano-optical platforms and innovative manufacturing technologies. The implications of this research are significant, driving optical device performance and functionality to new heights.
The advancement of non-diffracting light technology has opened up new possibilities for the manipulation and control of light waves. The breakthroughs in metasurface technology and the development of new techniques for structuring light fields pave the way for the advancement of optical devices and manufacturing technologies. This research represents a crucial step in enhancing the multifunctionality of metasurfaces and driving optical device performance to new heights.
Leave a Reply