Open AccessDynamic circular birefringence response with fractured geometric phase metasurface systems
Author(s) -
Evan W. Wang,
Thaibao Phan,
ShangJie Yu,
Scott Dhuey,
Jonathan A. Fan
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2122085119
Subject(s) - geometric phase , birefringence , physics , polarization (electrochemistry) , optics , circular polarization , waveplate , point reflection , sawtooth wave , phase (matter) , phase modulation , interferometry , nanophotonics , computer science , telecommunications , condensed matter physics , quantum mechanics , laser , chemistry , phase noise , microstrip
Significance Optical activity is a fundamental property of symmetry-broken three-dimensional systems and enables control of the polarization state of electromagnetic waves. This work introduces a type of reconfigurable geometric phase response in which shearing displacements between two Pancharatnam–Berry-phase metasurfaces transduce chiral symmetry breaking within nanoscale waveguide structures. These metasurface systems, termed fractured metasurface waveplates, can be tailored to support dynamically tunable, broadband circular birefringence responses. Polarization modulation is based on microscopic motions and uniquely enables high-speed modulation over large area apertures. Our system paves the way for new classes of nanophotonic devices that feature systems-level symmetry breaking for controlling electromagnetic waves, which is relevant for sensing, imaging, and quantum-control applications.