The manipulation of light waves is a critical aspect of optics that has implications for various fields. The diffraction of light, where waves spread out during propagation, has been a challenge for scientists aiming to maintain the shape and direction of light beams. Over the years, significant progress has been made in controlling the structure of light, with breakthroughs such as the discovery of Airy beams (ABs) and Bessel beams (BBs). While these advancements have been instrumental in enhancing fundamental optics and applications, challenges such as device size and limitations in resolution and phase profile encoding have persisted.
The development of metasurfaces has brought about a new era in the control of light fields. By utilizing nanoscale antenna arrays arranged precisely, optical devices can be miniaturized, and multidimensional control of light fields can be achieved through birefringence. This technology is seen as a key enabler for the evolution of next-generation photonic integrated platforms.
In a recent study published in the journal Laser & Photonics Reviews, a research team successfully reconstructed non-diffracting light fields using a novel approach. By implementing joint local-global phase control, the team was able to modulate the radial phase gradient and encode complex, non-diffracting optical fields. This method involved decomposing the 2D problem into the integration of 1D phase functions and the superposition of 2D phase functions.
The research team illustrated the transformation of circularly Airy beams (CABs) into Bessel beams (BBs) along the propagation path. By modulating the metasurface, scattered light converged into clear ABs, which then overlapped to form non-diffracting BBs. Leveraging the potential of triple birefringent nanoantennas, the researchers introduced new techniques for structuring light fields, expanding the number of light field types to six.
The study demonstrates a significant advancement in the use of non-diffracting light and the enhancement of metasurface multifunctionality. It lays a solid foundation for the development of advanced on-chip, nano-optical platforms and innovative manufacturing technologies. The research has far-reaching implications, driving optical device performance and functionality to new heights.
The development of metasurfaces and the manipulation of non-diffracting light fields represent a pivotal advancement in the field of optics. As researchers continue to explore new techniques and technologies, the potential for further innovations in the control of light waves is immense. This work opens up new possibilities for the development of advanced optical devices and manufacturing processes, setting the stage for future breakthroughs in the field.