Efficient generation of polarization multiplexed OAM using levitated metasurfaces

Abstract

Dual-polarization (DP) vortex waves (VWs) are widely applied in optical, electromagnetic, and quantum science owing to their ability to simultaneously convey two distinct and non-interfering orbital angular momentums (OAMs). Here, we propose a lightweight levitated meta-atom to achieve 360° phase control with a difference of no more than 1° while maximizing the reflection efficiency. In combination with convergent phase modulation, a OAM metasurface array that facilitates the generation of DP VWs with high mode purity and low divergence angles was designed. The measured DP VW bearing mode l = 1 had only 4° divergence angle and 84% mode purity at 5.8 GHz. Furthermore, DP VWs with integer, fractional (l = 1.5) and higher order (l = 8) modes are discussed based on an OAM purity spectrum analysis. The experimental results were consistent with the simulation results, demonstrating the practicality of the proposed DP OAM metasurface and its potential applications in the field of multithreaded communication systems.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

dual-polarization / orbital angular momentum / low divergence angles / high mode purity

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Declarations

The authors declare no competing interests and no conflicts.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province (No. 2022GD-TSLD-64).

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 Higher Education Press