Toward Arbitrary Spin‐Orbit Flat Optics Via Structured Geometric Phase Gratings

Abstract

Abstract Reciprocal spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) via geometric phase with flat optics provides a promising platform for shaping and controlling paraxial structured light. Current devices, from the pioneering q‐plates to the recent J‐plates, provide only spin‐dependent wavefront modulation without amplitude control. However, achieving control over all the spatial dimensions of paraxial SOC states requires spin‐dependent control of corresponding complex amplitude, which remains challenging for flat optics. Here, to address this issue, a new type of flat‐optics elements termed structured geometric phase gratings is presented, that is capable of conjugated complex‐amplitude control for orthogonal input circular polarizations. By using a microstructured liquid crystal photoalignment technique, a series of flat‐optics elements is engineered and their excellent precision in arbitrary SOC control is shown. This principle unlocks the full‐field control of paraxial structured light via flat optics, providing a promising way to develop an information exchange and processing units for general photonic SOC states, as well as extra‐/intracavity mode convertors for high‐precision laser beam shaping.