We introduce topological theory of perfect isolation: perfect transmission from one side and total reflection from another side simultaneously. The theory provides an efficient approach for determining whether such a perfect isolation point exists within a finite parameter space. Herein, we demonstrate the theory using an example of a Lorentz non-reciprocal metasurface composed of dimer unit cells. Our theory also suggests that perfect isolation points can annihilate each other through the coalescence of opposite topological charges. Our findings could lead to novel designs for high-performance optical isolators.
We present the concept of a magnetless Reflective Gyrotropic Spatial Isolator (RGSI) metasurface. This is a birefringent metasurface that reflects vertically polarized incident waves into a horizontally polarized waves, and absorbs horizontally polarized incident waves, hence providing isolation between the two orthogonal polarization. We first synthesize the metasurface using surface susceptibility-based Generalized Sheet Transition Conditions~(GSTCs). We then propose a mirror-backed metaparticle implementation of this metasurface, where transistor-loaded resonators provide the desired magnet…
We present a (nongyrotropic) metasurface magnetless specular isolator. This device reflects as a mirror a wave incident under a specified angle in one direction and absorbs it in the opposite direction. The metasurface is synthesized in terms of bianisotropic susceptibility tensors, whose nonreciprocity resides in normal components and exhibits a hybrid electric, magneto-electric nature. The metaparticle is implemented in the form of a U-shaped conducting structure loaded by a transistor. The operation principle of the specular isolator is demonstrated by both full-wave simulation and experime…
A broad-band reflectionless channel which supports unidirectional wave propagation originating from the interplay between gyrotropic elements and symmetrically placed gain and loss constituents is proposed. Interchange of the active elements together with a gyrotropic inversion turns the same structure to a unidirectional absorber where incoming waves from a specific direction are annihilated. When disorder is introduced asymmetric Anderson localization is found. Realizations of such multi-functional architectures in the frame of electronic and photonic circuitry are discussed.
In this talk we present and discuss a new general approach to the synthesis of metasurfaces for full control of transmitted and reflected fields. The method is based on the use of an equivalent impedance matrix which connects the tangential field components at the two sides on the metasurface. Finding the impedance matrix components, we are able to synthesize metasurfaces which perfectly realize the desired response. We will explain possible alternative physical realizations and reveal the crucial role of bianisotropic coupling to achieve full control of transmission through perfectly matched …
We propose a tunable coherent perfect absorber based on ultrathin nonlinear metasurfaces. The nonlinear metasurface is made of plasmonic nanoantennas coupled to an epsilon-near-zero material with a large optical nonlinearity. The coherent perfect absorption is achieved by controlling the relative phases of the input beams. We show that the optical response of the nonlinear metasurface can be tuned from a complete to a partial absorption by changing the intensity of the pump beam. The proposed nonlinear metasurface can be used to design optically tunable thermal emitters, modulators, and sensor…
Non-uniform metasurfaces (electrically thin composite layers) can be used for shaping refracted and reflected electromagnetic waves. However, known design approaches based on the generalized refraction and reflection laws do not allow realization of perfectly performing devices: there are always some parasitic reflections into undesired directions. In this paper we introduce and discuss a general approach to the synthesis of metasurfaces for full control of transmitted and reflected plane waves and show that perfect performance can be realized. The method is based on the use of an equivalent i…
Based on an analytic approach, we present a theoretical review on the absorption, scattering, and extinction of both dipole scatterers and regular arrays composed of such scatterers i.e., metasurfaces. Besides offering a tutorial by outlining the maximum absorption limit for electrically/magnetically resonant dipole particles/metasurfaces, we give an educative analytical approach to their analysis. Moreover, we put forward the analysis of two known alternatives in providing perfect absorbers out of electrically and or magnetically resonant metasurfaces; one is based on the simultaneous presenc…
Orbital angular momentum (OAM) is a promising degree of freedom for fundamental studies in electromagnetics and quantum mechanics. The unlimited state space of OAM shows a great potential to enhance channel capacities of classical and quantum communications. By exploring the Pancharatnam-Berry phase concept and engineering anisotropic scatterers in a metasurface with spatially varying orientations, a plane wave with zero OAM can be converted to a vortex beam carrying nonzero OAM. In this paper, we proposed two types of novel PEC (perfect electric conductor)-PMC (perfect magnetic conductor) ani…
We introduce a paradigm for accurate design of metasurfaces for intricate beam manipulation, implementing functionalities previously considered impossible to achieve with passive lossless elements. The key concept involves self-generation of auxiliary evanescent fields which facilitate the required local power conservation, without interfering with the device performance in the far field. We demonstrate our scheme by presenting exact reactive solutions to the challenging problems of reflectionless beam splitting and perfect reflection, verified via full wave simulations.
Absorption of terahertz waves by a metasurface comprising a biperiodic array of pixellated meta-atoms on top of a dielectric substrate backed by a perfect electric conductor was simulated using a commercial software, with either all or a few of the pixels in every meta-atom patched with graphene. Absorptances as high as 0.99 over a 1.16-THz-wide spectral regime for normal incidence were found for a metasurface comprising meta-atoms with only a few pixels patched with graphene, regardless of the polarization state. In comparison to metasurface absorbers comprising two graphene layers separated …
We demonstrate that the metamaterial perfect absorber behaves as a meta-cavity bounded between a resonant metasurface and a metallic thin-film reflector. The perfect absorption is achieved by the Fabry-Perot cavity resonance via multiple reflections between the "quasi-open" boundary of resonator and the "closed" boundary of reflector. The characteristic features including angle independence, ultra-thin thickness and strong field localization can be well explained by this model. With this model, metamaterial perfect absorber can be redefined as a meta-cavity exhibiting high Q-factor, strong fie…
Enhancing absorption in optically thin semiconductors is the key in the development of high-performance optical and optoelectronic devices. In this paper, we resort to the concept of degenerate critical coupling and design an ultra-thin semiconductor absorber composed of free-standing GaAs nanocylinder metasurfaces in the near infrared. The numerical results show that perfect absorption can be achieved through overlapping two Mie modes with opposite symmetry, with each mode contributing a theoretical maximum of 50% in their respective critical coupling state. The absorption also shows the pola…
Here we make use of vanadium dioxide (VO2) to design a bifunctional metasurface working at the same targeted frequency. With the increase of temperature, the functionality of the designed metasurface can switch from a multi-channel retroreflector to a perfect absorber, caused by the phase transition of VO2 from insulator to conductor. Different from traditional bifunctional metasurfaces designed by simple composition of two functionalities, our proposed bifunctional metasurface is based on the interaction between two functionalities. The device shows good potential for the combination of wavef…
In this letter, we propose a magnet-less non-reciprocal isolating system based on time-varying metasurfaces. Two parallel time-varying metasurfaces, one for frequency up-conversion and one for down-conversion by the same amount, are used for realizing a region of space where incident waves from opposite directions experience an opposite Doppler frequency shift. As a result, any device within this region becomes sensitive to the illumination direction, exhibiting a different scattering response from opposite directions and thus breaking reciprocity. Very importantly, thanks to the opposite freq…
Dielectric metasurfaces perform unique photonics effects and serve as the engine of nowadays light-matter technologies. Here, we suggest theoretically and demonstrate experimentally the realization of a high transparency effect in a novel type of all-dielectric metasurface, where each constituting meta-atom of the lattice presents the so-called transverse Kerker effect. In contrast to Huygens' metasurfaces, both phase and amplitude of the incoming wave remain unperturbed at the resonant frequency and, consequently, our metasurface totally operates in the invisibility regime. We prove experimen…
In this paper, theoretical and numerical studies of perfect/nearly-perfect conversion of a plane wave into a surface wave are presented. The problem of determining the electromagnetic properties of an inhomogeneous lossless boundary which would fully transform an incident plane wave into a surface wave propagating along the boundary is considered. An approximate field solution which produces a slowly growing surface wave and satisfies the energy conservation law is discussed and numerically demonstrated. The results of the study are of great importance for the future development of such device…
We analyze single and multilayered metamaterials by modeling each layer as a metasurface with effective surface electric and magnetic susceptibility derived through a thin film approximation. Employing a transfer matrix method, these metasurfaces can be assembled into multilayered metamaterials to realize certain functionalities. We demonstrate numerically that this approach provides an alternative interpretation of metamaterial-based perfect absorption, showing that the underlying mechanism is a modified Fabry-Perot resonance. This method provides a general approach applicable for decoupled o…
Metasurfaces in metal/insulator/metal configuration have recently been widely used in photonics research, with applications ranging from perfect absorption to phase modulation, but why and when such structures can realize what kind of functionalities are not yet fully understood. Here, based on a coupled-mode theory analysis, we establish a complete phase diagram in which the optical properties of such systems are fully controlled by two simple parameters (i.e., the intrinsic and radiation losses), which are in turn dictated by the geometrical/material parameters of the underlying structures. …
In passive linear systems, complete combining of powers carried by waves from several input channels into a single output channel is forbidden by the energy conservation law. Here, we demonstrate that complete combination of both coherent and incoherent plane waves can be achieved using metasurfaces with properties varying in space and time. The proposed structure reflects waves of the same frequency but incident at different angles towards a single direction. The frequencies of the output waves are shifted by the metasurface, ensuring perfect incoherent power combining. The proposed concept o…
Perfect all-angle asymmetric transmission via normal susceptibilities: exact spatial derivative by local meta-atoms and nonlocal metasurfaces
Andrew and Erna Viterbi Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology（安德鲁和埃尔纳·维特比电气与计算机工程学院，以色列理工学院）；Photonics Initiative of the Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York（纽约市立大学高级科学研究中心光子学计划）
Ultrahigh-Q All-Metallic Metasurfaces with Robust Near-Perfect Absorption
College of Electronics and Information Engineering, Sichuan University（四川大学电子信息学院）；School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology（广东工业大学物理与光电工程学院）
We introduce chiral gradient metasurfaces that allow perfect transmission of all the incident wave into a desired direction and simultaneous perfect rotation of the polarization of the refracted wave with respect to the incident one. Besides using gradient polarization densities which provide bending of the refracted wave with respect to the incident one, using metasurface inclusions that are chiral allows the polarization of the refracted wave to be rotated. We suggest a possible realization of the proposed device by discretizing the required equivalent surface polarization densities realized…
We present an asymmetric bifacial graphene metasurface to realize tunable and broadband coherent perfect absorption (CPA) at terahertz (THz) frequencies. The proposed design is composed of two dissimilar graphene square patch metasurfaces stacked over an ultrathin dielectric substrate. Nonlinear CPA performance without resorting to optical nonlinearities and amplification are demonstrated based on wave interference phenomena taking place along and inside this subwavelength structure. Broadband asymmetric reflection from opposite directions is obtained in the case of single wave illumination. T…
The breaking of Lorentz reciprocity law is a non-trivial task, since it usually requires bulky magnets or complicated time-modulation dynamic techniques to be accomplished. In this work, we present a simple and compact design of a nonlinear bifacial dielectric metasurface to achieve strong self-induced passive nonreciprocal transmission without the use of external biases. The proposed design is ideal for free space optics applications, can operate under both incident polarizations, and require very low input excitation power to reach the nonreciprocal regime. It is composed of two passive sili…
Black phosphorus (BP), a relative new plasmonic two-dimensional (2D) material, offers unique photonic and electronic properties. In this work, we propose a new tunable and broadband ultrathin coherent perfect absorber (CPA) device operating in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. It is based on a bifacial metasurface made of BP patch periodic arrays separated by a thin dielectric layer. Broadband CPA bandwidth is realized due to the ultrathin thickness of the proposed device and the extraordinary properties of BP. In addition, a substantial modulation between CPA and complete transparency is a…
A perfect metal film with a periodic arrangement of cut-through slits, an anisotropic metallic metamaterial film, mimics a dielectric slab and supports guided electromagnetic waves in the direction perpendicular to the slits. Here, we introduce metallic metasurface superlattices that include multiple slits in a period, and demonstrate that the superlattices support the Fano resonances and bound states in the continuum. The number of Fano resonances and bound states depend on the number of slits in a period of superlattices. The metallic metasurface superlattices provide new mechanisms to manip…
A quasi-continuous composite perfect electric conductor-perfect magnetic conductor metasurface and a systematic metasurface design process are proposed for the orbital angular momentum (OAM) generation. The metasurfaces reflect the incident left circularly polarized (LCP)/right circularly polarized (RCP) plane wave to RCP/LCP vortex beams carrying OAM at normal or oblique direction. Unlike conventional metasurfaces that are composed of discrete scatterers, the scatterers on the proposed metasurface form a quasi-continuous pattern. The patterning of the metasurface is calculated through grating…
Optical isolators are indispensible components in nearly all photonic systems as they help ensure unidirectionality and provide crucial protection from undesirable reflections. While commercial isolators are exclusively built on magneto-optic (MO) principles they are not readily implemented within photonic integrated circuits due to the need for specialized materials. Importantly, the MO effect is generally weak, especially at shorter wavelengths. These challenges as a whole have motivated extensive research on non-MO alternatives. To date, however, no alternative technology has managed to sim…
We show that the hybrid resonances of a DMR backed by a cavity are meta-resonances, in that they can be made as perfect as possible by fine tuning the structural parameters but without the requirements of extreme materials properties, such as zero dissipation. Instead, dissipation in the DMR is essential for the realization of perfect meta-resonances. We experimentally demonstrate such perfection by tuning the structure of a HMR till its reflection is as low as 0.426 % . Besides the primary meta-resonances that are originated from the strong resonances of the DMR, weak hitchhiker resonances ca…
Relating the electromagnetic scattering and absorption properties of an individual particle to the reflection and transmission coefficients of a two-dimensional material composed of these particles is a crucial concept that has driven both fundamental and applied physics. It is at the heart of both the characterization of material properties as well as the phase and amplitude engineering of a wave. Here we propose a multipolar description of the reflection and transmission coefficients across a monolayer of particles using a vector spherical harmonic decomposition. This enables us to provide a…
Imaginary Gauge Fields for One-Way Transparency and Absorption in a Passive Metasurface
New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Hong Kong（香港大学新cornerstone科学实验室）；School of Physics and Optoelectronics, South China University of Technology（华南理工大学物理与光电学院）；School of Engineering, University of Birmingham（伯明翰大学工程学院）；State Key Laboratory of Optical Quantum Materials, University of Hong Kong（香港大学光学量子材料国家重点实验室）；Quantum Science Center of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area（粤港澳大湾区量子科学中心）；Materials Innovation Institute for Life Sciences and Energy (MILES), HKU-SIRI, Shenzhen（深圳港大-深港研究院生命科学与能源材料创新研究所）；Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Hong Kong（香港大学电子电气工程系）
Parity-Time (PT) symmetric optical structures exhibit several unique and interesting characteristics with the most popular being exceptional points. While the emerging concept of PT-symmetry has been extensively investigated in bulky photonic designs, its exotic functionalities in nanophotonic non-Hermitian plasmonic systems still remain relatively unexplored. Towards this goal, in this work we analyze the unusual properties of a plasmonic Huygens metasurface composed of an array of active metal-dielectric core-shell nanoparticles. By calculating the reflection and transmission coefficients of…
A single-order transmission diffraction grating based on dispersion engineered all-dielectric metasurfaces is proposed and its wavelength discriminating properties have been theoretically described and confirmed using numerical simulations. The metasurface is designed using a 2D array of all-dielectric resonators, which emulates a Huygens source configuration to achieve a perfect match to free-space in broad bandwidth. Using a holey dielectric nanodisk structure as the unit cell, the resonant wavelength is tapered across the metasurface to engineer the wavelength dependent spatial phase gradie…
Achieving the very special condition of perfect absorption (PA) in a complex scattering enclosure promises to enable a wealth of applications in secure communication, precision sensing, wireless power transfer, analog signal processing and random lasing. Consequently, a lot of recent research effort was dedicated to proposing wave-front shaping protocols to implement coherent PA in a complex scattering environment. Here, instead of shaping the impinging wave front and tuning the system's attenuation, we propose the conceptually different route of solely tweaking the randomness of the complex s…
The control of polarization, an essential property of light, is of wide scientific and technological interest. Polarizer is an indispensable optical element for direct polarization generations. Except common linear and circular polarizations, however, arbitrary polarization generation heavily resorts to bulky optical components by cascading linear polarizers and waveplates. Here, we present a general strategy for designing all-in-one full Poincaré sphere polarizers based on perfect arbitrary polarization conversion dichroism, and realize it in a monolayer all-dielectric metasurface. It allows …
Nonreciprocity is important for optical information processing, full-duplex communications, and protection of sensitive laser equipment from unwanted reflections. However, it is very challenging to obtain strong nonreciprocal response in optical frequencies, especially when nanoscale configurations are considered. In this work, we solve this problem by demonstrating a compact bifacial plasmonic metasurface that acts as a new ultrathin nonreciprocal transmission filter at near-infrared frequencies. The proposed nanostructure is simple to be practically implemented, since it is composed of two s…
While metamaterials are often desirable for near-field functions, such as perfect lensing, or cloaking, they are often quantified by their response to plane waves from the far field. Here, we present a theoretical analysis of the local density of states near lattices of discrete magnetic scatterers, i.e., the response to near field excitation by a point source. Based on a point-dipole theory using Ewald summation and an array scanning method, we can swiftly and semi-analytically evaluate the local density of states (LDOS) for magnetoelectric point sources in front of an infinite two-dimensiona…
Inverse Design of Tunable Infrared Metasurface Absorbers via a Conditional Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network
State Key Laboratory of Integrated Service Networks, Xidian University（西安电子科技大学集成服务网络国家重点实验室）；Air Defense and Antimissile School, Air Force Engineering University（空军工程大学防空反导学院）；Inter disciplinary Center for Quantum Information, College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University（浙江大学信息与电子工程学院量子信息交叉研究中心）
Resonance coupling in non-Hermitian systems can lead to exotic features, such as bound states in the continuum (BICs) and exceptional points (EPs), which have been widely employed to control the propagation and scattering of light. Yet, similar tools to control diffraction and engineering spatial wavefronts have remained elusive. Here, we show that, by operating a suitably tailored metagrating around a BIC and EPs, it is possible to achieve an extreme degree of control over coupling to different diffraction orders in metasurfaces. We stack subwavelength metallic slit arrays on a metal-insulato…
Exceptional Points, Lasing, and Coherent Perfect Absorption in Floquet Scattering Systems
Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien)（维也纳工业大学）；Karlsruhe Institute of Technology（卡尔斯鲁厄理工学院）；University of Graz（格拉茨大学）；NAWI Graz（NAWI格拉茨）；Riga Technical University（里加技术大学）
