Multichannel Metasurface for Simultaneous Control of Holograms and Twisted Light Beams

Abstract

In terms of system integration and device miniaturization, a single optical device that can possess more tunable functionalities in multiple channels is desirable. As a proof of concept, we experimentally demonstrate such an ultrathin optical device that can simultaneously realize polarization-controllable hologram and superposition of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in multiple channels. By continuously controlling the polarization state of the incident light, the polarization-dependent holographic images in two channels along the horizontal direction and the continuous control of OAM superposition in two channels along the vertical direction are realized. The uniqueness of the device lies in that both the superpositions of OAM states and the holographic images are controlled at the same time. This novel device provides a fast and efficient tool for simultaneous control of hologram and manipulation of OAM supposition in various channels, which significantly simplifies the experimental system and is of importance for the current efforts in the field of information optics, security, quantum science and fundamental physics.