Vectorial Holograms with Spatially Continuous Polarization Distributions

Metasurface-based holography presents opportunities for applications that include optical displays, data storage, and optical encryption. Holograms that control polarization are sometimes referred to as vectorial holograms. Most studies on this topic have concerned devices that display different images when illuminated with different polarization states. Fewer studies have demonstrated holographic images whose polarization varies spatially, i.e., as a function of the position within the image. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a vectorial hologram that produces an image with a spatially continuous distribution of polarization states, for the first time to our knowledge. An unlimited number of polarization states can be achieved within the image. Furthermore, the holographic image and its polarization map (polarization vs position in image) are independent. The same image can be thus encoded with different polarization maps. As far as we know, our approach is conceptually new. We anticipate that it could broaden the application scope of metasurface holography.