“Compound Meta-Optics for Complete and Loss-Less Field Control” published in ACS Nano, selected as VINSE Spotlight Publication
Hanyu Zheng is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Jason Valentine’s group majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His research focuses on metasurface-based devices with applications in spatial light modulation and imaging processing. Hanyu’s recent publication in ACS Nano introduced a novel method based on compound meta-optics for complete and lossless spatial light modulation. Metasurface is an ultra-thin flat optic comprising a series of subwavelength-scale unit cells. Although with versatile modulation ability, single-layer metasurface devices suffer an inevitable loss when dealing with light intensity control. Compound meta-optic, on the other hand, allows redistribution of light from the first layer, which can be reused by the second metasurface, enabling lossless field modulation. Meanwhile, with the assistance of end-to-end optimization, complete control of light phase, amplitude, and polarization in a lossless way can be readily achieved. This work may open new avenues for the development of compact optical systems with novel functionalities.