Cross-polarization Conversion Research Articles

Multifunctional Reconfigurable Vanadium Dioxide Integrated Metasurface for Reflection, Asymmetric Transmission and Cross‐Polarization Conversion in Terahertz Region

AbstractIntegrating reconfigurable and diverse functionalities into a single metasurface at terahertz (THz) frequencies is an emerging research topic that faces significant challenges. Here, a reconfigurable THz metasurface is proposed, offering diversified functionalities based on the phase transition of vanadium dioxide (). The proposed metasurface can switch from wideband reflection to wideband cross‐polarization conversion (CPC) and asymmetric transmission (AT) for linearly polarized waves. When is in its fully metallic state, the metasurface efficiently reflects normally incident waves ranging from 0.2 to 2.8 THz, with total reflection exceeding 0.8. When is in its insulating state, the metasurface achieves nearly perfect wideband cross‐polarization conversion with CPC efficiency above 0.99 from 0.46 to 2.67 THz, and excellent AT effect with efficiency over 0.9 from 0.65 to 2.29 THz for normal incidence of linearly polarized waves. Moreover, the high efficiency of CPC and AT effects is maintained over a wide range of incident angles. The proposed switchable metasurface with diverse functionalities is expected to enable cutting‐edge research and innovative applications in THz communication, sensing, and imaging.

Efficient polarization conversion metasurface for scattered beam control and RCS reduction

This study proposes and experimentally validates a multifunctional, ultra-wideband polarization conversion metasurface. The design integrates polarization conversion and electromagnetic scattering functions into a single structure, enabling applications in polarization conversion, beam control, and effective reduction of the radar cross-section (RCS). The metasurface achieves linear-to-circular polarization conversion with an axial ratio (AR) of less than 3 dB across dual-band ranges of 14.6–26.8 GHz and 31–33.5 GHz. Additionally, by adjusting metallic resonant rings within the unit structure, cross-polarization conversion with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) greater than 0.9 is realized in the 13.6–29.8 GHz frequency range, maintaining excellent stability even at oblique incidence angles up to 50°. Leveraging the phase cancellation principle, various coding arrays are designed to precisely control the scattered beams, reducing the RCS by more than 10 dB. The comparison of simulation and experimental results further validates the wide application potential of this polarization converter in fields such as wireless communication, antenna engineering, and radar stealth.

Designing broadband cross-polarization conversion metasurfaces using binary particle swarm optimization algorithm

Owing to their disadvantages of broadband discontinuity, infinite value, or incapability of distinguishing cross-polarization conversions from co-polarization conversions, the traditional linear polarization discrimination methods relating to the phase difference Δφ, the ellipticity angle β, or the axial ratio are inapplicable to the software-based optimal design of broadband cross-polarization conversion metasurfaces (CPMs) consisting of subblocks. Therefore, we introduce the pseudo ellipticity angle β' to characterize the cross-polarization conversion. And based upon the coding metasurfaces and β', this work first employs the Python-programmed binary particle swarm optimization algorithm to accomplish the optimal design of reflective broadband CPMs. Then, the obtained CPM is further simplified by reprocessing the relatively isolated subblocks, which results in the final CPM. The simulated results show that the final CPM realizes the broadband cross-polarization conversion with β' ≥ 0.4π and a relative bandwidth of 36.1 % from 11.66 GHz to 16.79 GHz. Moreover, the measured results are in excellent agreements with the simulated ones, which validates the proposed design method. It advances the broadband CPMs design from manual to automated method.

High efficient bi-functional metasurface with linear polarization conversion and asymmetric transmission for terahertz region

Abstract Polarization control is crucial in contemporary photonics, but achieving broad bandwidths and high efficiencies remains a significant challenge. Here, we propose a wideband and high-efficiency metasurface designed for linear polarization conversion and asymmetric transmission (AT) in the terahertz region based on a three-layer chiral structure. By integrating a double-split ring and strip resonator, the design can improve both wide bandwidth and high-efficiency cross-polarization conversion and AT capabilities for a linearly polarized wave. The operating band for AT is 0.73-3.01 THz with an efficiency above 0.8, while the polarization conversion ratio exceeds 0.99 across the 0.56-3.94 THz range. The underlying physical mechanism behind wideband transmission polarization conversion was fully elucidated through theoretical analysis and the characterization of surface current distribution. This designed structure can be used in terahertz imaging, sensing, and communication.

Flexible substrate based wideband polarization converter with extremely high polarization conversion ratio

In this article an anticipated reflection-mode cross-polarization converters (CPCs) are designed on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based flexible substrate operating in the GHz region. The proposed CPC metasurface comprises three layers where a flexible substrate is endwise between the resonating layer and ground layers. The converter can convert linear to circular and circular to cross-polarized waves at the frequency range of 5–8 GHz, as evidenced by the identical amplitude of Rxx and Ryx and a phase difference of 90°. More than 99 % of the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) was performed between the 6.75 and 9.07 GHz frequency range, while more than 80 % of the PCR was performed between the 6.0 and 10.73 GHz frequency range. The highest PCR values show nearly flawless energy conversion from an x-polarized incident wave to a y-polarized reflected wave. The PCR ratio of 80 % is achieved by this ultra-wideband linear-to-cross- and circular-to-cross-polarization converter. The anticipated converter's spectrum for all incidence angles between 0◦ and 60°. The PCR remained higher than 99 % over a wide incidence angle range to 60° without much performance degradation. The bending stability of the PDMS-based flexible substrate is also investigated up to 60°. The structure is fabricated on a flexible substrate, and the measured performance is compared with simulated results. Radar, antenna, and communications systems, as well as other cross-polarization converters, can utilize the transmitted wave's very high polarization purity result.

A novel multifunctional chiral metasurface with asymmetric transmission

The multiband, multifunctional chiral metasurface with asymmetric transmission exhibits significant potential for diverse applications in modern communication systems, ranging from enhanced signal modulation and polarization control to advanced beam steering and compact antenna design. This research presents a versatile and advanced chiral metasurface operating at multiple bands with diverse functionalities, including asymmetric transmission. The proposed metasurface effectively transforms an incoming Linearly Polarized (LP) wave into a Circularly Polarized (CP) wave. Additionally, it functions as a 90° polarization rotator for the incident LP wave. The design starts with an element of a 2 × 2 supercell comprising a Square Split Ring Resonator (SSRR) and an I-shaped resonator. The right diagonal elements of a supercell undergo scaling down, giving rise to a rotational asymmetry. Chirality is introduced into the design, and cross polarization conversion is enhanced by rotating all four elements by 90° relative to each other. On the back side of the substrate, each element undergoes a 90° rotation compared to its counterpart on the front side, realizing the asymmetric transmission feature. The incorporation of multiband and multifunctional features within a single supercell equips the subject chiral metasurface to be utilized in various engineering applications.

Single layer vanadium oxide assisted switchable metasurfaces for transmissive and reflective polarization conversion

Polarization control using metasurfaces is highly advantageous; however, most metasurfaces operate exclusively in either transmission or reflection mode. Additionally, achieving both wide bandwidth and high efficiency simultaneously in their design remains a significant challenge. Here, we design a high-efficiency and wideband switchable metasurface that can switch between transmissive and reflective polarization conversion modes by utilizing a single layer of I-shaped resonators and gold-vanadium dioxide (VO2) alternating gratings printed on a quartz substrate. When VO2 transitions to its metallic phase, the continuous metal layers of gold-VO2 eliminate transmission and the designed metasurface operates as a reflective cross-polarization converter with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) exceeding 0.9 over a broad frequency range of 1.4–3.3 THz. Conversely, when VO2 is in its insulator phase, the THz incoming wave can transmit through the gratings, and the design behaves as a transmissive cross-polarization converter with a PCR above 0.99 in the 0.75-4.0 THz range for a forward y- polarized wave. The working mechanism for both transmissive and reflective polarization conversion modes is explained through theoretical analysis and surface current distributions. With the advantages of facile design, high performance, and dual functionality, our design is expected to be applied in the fields of imaging, sensing, and communication.

Design of a Single-Layer Ultrawideband Cross-Polarization Conversion Metasurface With High Efficiency

Design of a Single-Layer Ultrawideband Cross-Polarization Conversion Metasurface With High Efficiency

Polarization converter integrated millimeter wave MIMO antenna for dual CP generation

This article provides a novel technique of generating both RHCP and LHCP waves from a CPW fed MIMO antenna over a wide frequency range 24.6–28.2 GHz by integrating it with a metasurface. The metasurface is designed as a broadband reflective cross-polarization converter working from 23–32.6 GHz. The metasurface is placed 1 mm below the MIMO antenna constituting orthogonally placed antenna elements. The impinging electromagnetic waves from the linearly polarized antenna are converted into circularly polarized waves when they get reflected from the metasurface and interfere with the radiated waves from the antenna. In order to decipher the underlying modal behaviours of the metasurface, characteristic mode analysis is utilized. Due to orthogonal orientation of the antennas, oppositely placed antennas exhibit the same type of polarization conversion while adjacently placed antennas exhibit opposite type of polarization conversion. This results in generation of both RHCP and LHCP waves from different elements of the MIMO antenna using the same metasurface at 5 G frequencies registering an axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 15.3%. With a diversity gain (DG) of better than 9.96 and an envelope correlation coefficient (CC) of less than 0.015, the proposed CP antenna exhibits strong MIMO performance. Prototypes of the antenna and the metasurface have been fabricated and measured for validating the simulated results.

Highly sensitive dual-functional all-dielectric biosensor for hemoglobin and cancer detection

This paper is the first demonstration of a dual-functional metasurface (DFM) based on all-dielectric materials for biosensing applications. The proposed biosensor possesses a unique capability to switch between polarization conversion and absorber functionalities owing to the phase changing properties of VO2. Accordingly, the sensor works in two modes: a highly sensitive reflective cross-polarization converter mode (4.38 - 5.08 THz) and an absorber mode (4.36 - 5.96 THz), both of which hold significant promise for the detection of hemoglobin and cancer cells, respectively. When VO2 is in the insulating state, the reflective cross-polarization converter function of this biosensor exhibits exceptional sensitivity of 3.08 THz/RIU for hemoglobin detection. This is the highest sensitivity among the existing THz based biosensors. Likewise, the same biosensor transforms into an absorber when VO2 is in the conducting state, offering an impressive sensitivity of 2.93 THz/RIU for detection of cancerous cells. The all-dielectric based DFM biosensor also provides a high degree of angular stability, providing stable response for incident angles of up to 60° for both its polarization converter and absorber functions.

Polarization-insensitive cross-polarization converter with high frequency selectivity based on an antenna-resonator-antenna module

In this paper, a novel transmission-type polarization-insensitive frequency selective polarization converter (PIFSPC) is proposed. The overall structural scheme of the proposed PIFSPC is based on an antenna-resonator-antenna (ARA) module, which is composed of a receiving patch antenna, double “S-shaped” half-wavelength resonators, and a transmitting patch antenna. By adopting cross-coupling, high frequency selectivity is achieved, and through the utilization of a staggered rotationally symmetric structure, polarization insensitivity is attained. The prototype possesses four transmission poles and two zeros on the polarization conversion spectrum, and it shows insensitivity to the polarization direction of incident electromagnetic waves. The frequency selectivity of the prototype at the lower and upper band edges is 425 dB/GHz and 283 dB/GHz respectively. The cross-polarization conversion rate (PCR) is over 95% within the passband from 4.93 GHz to 5.09 GHz for arbitrarily polarized azimuth incident waves, and its thickness is merely 0.052λ0. The operation bandwidth and frequency selectivity of the prototype can be readily altered. A prototype is fabricated and measured, with excellent consistency between simulations and experiments. It indicates the feasibility of integrating frequency selection and polarization conversion. The proposed PIFSPC has extensive application prospects in enhancing the anti-interference ability and electromagnetic compatibility in the fields of communication, measurement, and microwave detection.

Highly sensitive dual mode dual side cross polarization converter based biosensor

—This paper investigates a dual-side, dual-mode reflective cross-polarization converter for biosensing applications. The converter consists of a polyimide substrate with a modified dumbbell-shaped resonator on one surface and its complementary slot on another. The overall volume is 8.25μm × 8.25μm × 2.47 μm with dual-band operation of 6.39268–7.311692 THz and 9.783001–23.53473 THz for PCR≥80 % for front signal incidence and two full widths at half maximum (FWHM) bands i.e. 11.71594–12.26761 THz & 19.12042–19.87691 THz for back signal incidence. The periodicity is ∼λo/6, and substrate thickness is ∼λo/19 at 6.39268 THz. This device has performance stability for incident angle (θ)≤30o. The performance of this device can be tuned from dual-band operation to single-band by varying the chemical potential of the graphene strip for signal incidence from both sides. This device can classify cancer or tuberculosis-infected cells concerning healthy cells by using the variations in their corresponding refractive indices that lead to changes in the band edge frequencies. This device can differentiate between infected and healthy cells or different refractive indices with a high sensitivity of ∼5 THz/RIU. This device has merits of dual side sensing, wide operating bandwidth, multiple frequencies for sensing purposes, and high sensitivity over previously reported sensors.

Total cross-polarization conversion and polarization-sensitive amplification of terahertz radiation in graphene with direct electric current

Total cross-polarization conversion and polarization-sensitive amplification of terahertz radiation in graphene with direct electric current

Multitasking Integrated Metasurface for Electromagnetic Wave Modulation with Reflection, Transmission, and Absorption.

Accommodating multiple tasks within a tiny metasurface unit cell without them interfering with each other is a significant challenge. In this paper, an electromagnetic (EM) wave modulation metasurface capable of reflection, transmission, and absorption is proposed. This multitasking capability is achieved through a cleverly designed multi-layer structure comprising an EM Wave Shield Layer (ESL), a Polarization Modulation Layer (PML), and a Bottom Plate Layer (BPL). The functionality can be arbitrarily switched by embedding control materials within the structure. Depending on external excitation conditions, the proposed metasurface can realize reflection-type co-planar polarization to cross-polarization conversion, transmission-type electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) modes, and broadband absorption. Notably, all tasks operate approximately within the same operating frequency band, and their performance can be regulated by the intensity of external excitation. Additionally, the operating principle of the metasurface is analyzed through impedance matching, an oscillator coupling model, and surface current distribution. This metasurface design offers a strategy for integrated devices with multiple functionalities.

A tunable versatile metasurface in terahertz frequency based on graphene–metal hybrid structures

The increasing demands for device integration and reusability have led to the development of freely switchable and dynamically tunable diverse functions in both modern optics and wireless communications. This study proposes a versatile metasurface that integrates with four tunable functions in the terahertz region based on graphene patch and metal split-ring hybrid structures. By adjusting the Fermi level of the graphene patches through electrostatic gating, the proposed metasurface can effectively achieve free switching among four different functions and dynamic tuning of each function's characteristics over a broad frequency band. Moreover, the metasurface operates smoothly in reflection mode for x-polarization, y-polarization, and left-hand and right-hand circular polarization illuminations. All expected performances, including resonant absorption with tunable frequency (relative bandwidth is about 20 %) and regulable absorbance (from 10 % to 100 %), arbitrary interconversion of four polarization states (relative bandwidth is over 48 %), regulation of cross-polarization conversion rate (from 0 % to 100 %), tunable spatial power division (three-way outputs), and dual-channel high-efficiency signal modulation (modulation depth is over 81 %), are demonstrated through full-wave simulation experiments. This study opens up a new avenue for exploring tunable multifunctional integrated devices with graphene materials, with potential applications in various domains, such as wireless communication, terahertz sensing, and imaging.

Switchable bi-functional water-based metasurface for high efficiency and wideband polarization conversion and absorption

A reconfigurable metasurface with a switchable function, wideband, and high efficiency has gained a lot of attention for the creation of compact and efficient devices. Here, for the first time, we propose a bi-functional metasurface that utilizes a water-based resonator to achieve wideband and high-efficiency absorption and cross polarization conversion in the microwave range. By controlling the water injection, the functionality of the metasurface can switch between absorption and cross-polarized conversion. Via water injection, the designed water-based metasurface can act as a wideband absorber with an absorptivity of above 90% in the broadband range of 16.5–24 GHz. Meanwhile, without water injection, it exhibits the ability for high efficiency cross-polarization conversion across a wideband in the range of 4.38–11.9 GHz. The proposed metasurface is fabricated and measured to verify its ability to switch between the dual functions of high efficiency wideband absorption and cross-polarization conversion. We believe that the metasurface platform shown here will open up new possibilities for creating compact multifunctional devices for applications in the microwave region.

Tunable terahertz polarization conversion and absorption devices based on metamaterials

Metamaterials, as novel materials, have electromagnetic behaviors that can be realized by rationally designing the unit structure. It plays an important role in the research of terahertz functional devices. Switchable terahertz devices are constructed by flexibly combining the excellent properties of graphene and vanadium dioxide (VO2) with the application potential of terahertz technology. When the VO2 is in the metallic state and the graphene Fermi energy level is 0 eV, the device behaves as a broadband polarization switching device. It can realize cross-polarization conversion for the incident electromagnetic wave in the range of 2–4.2 THz. When the VO2 is in the insulating state and the graphene Fermi energy level is 0.9 eV, the device is an absorption device. The absorption rate can reach more than 99% at 4 THz. In addition, the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) as well as the absorption rate of the device can be tuned independently. This actively tunable switchable terahertz device provides ideas for dynamically controlling terahertz, bringing more possibilities for various applications such as terahertz imaging, stealth, and communication.

Tunable broadband absorption and broadband linear polarization converter based on vanadium dioxide

A composite dielectric metamaterial based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed to achieve flexible switching between two functions, broadband absorption, and polarization conversion, by adjusting the VO2 conductivity. The designed metamaterial functions as a broadband absorber when VO2 is in the metal phase. The absorber consists of a VO2 top structure, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) dielectric layer, and a VO2 thin film. Numerical simulation ns show that the absorber can absorb up to more than 90% in the frequency range of 3.22 ∼ 8.51 THz, and due to the symmetry of the structure, the absorber is characterized by polarization-insensitive properties and good absorption over a wider incidence angle. When VO2 is in the insulator phase, the designed metamaterial has a cross-polarization conversion function. The linear polarization converter primarily comprises an I-beam metal, a SiO2 dielectric layer, and a gold substrate layer. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the linear polarization converter accomplishes a line polarization conversion rate (PCR) greater than 90% within the 1.40 ∼ 4.11 THz frequency range, attains a close to 100% cross-polarization conversion rate (PCR) at 1.46, 1.95, 3.0, and 3.97 THz. To confirm the wave absorption mechanism of the absorber, we utilize the impedance matching theory to analyze it. The proposed switchable bifunctional metamaterials present significant potential for broader applications in future terahertz communication, imaging, stealth technology, and related fields.

Reflective Polarization Conversion with Multi-Functional, Ultrathin Metasurface for Ku- and K-Band Applications

Reflective polarization conversions with a simplistic design of an ultrathin, single-layered, and multi-functional anisotropic metasurface as a polarization converter is utilized for Ku- and K-band applications. The designs with two substrate thicknesses (0.095λ0 and 0.069λ0, respectively) are capable of a cross-polarization converter (CPC) and a linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion. The design with 0.095λ0 thickness achieves a CPC between 17.96 and 26.90GHz with the efficiency of more than 90% and a relative bandwidth of 40% under normal incidence. It maintains angular stability by altering the oblique incidence angles up to 300 with greater than 80% of the PCR in the K-band. Meanwhile, an LTC in two frequency bands, 10.30-10.53GHz and 28.65-29.70GHz, is also numerically demonstrated. The second design with 0.069 λ0 thickness provides a CPC above the PCR value of 87% in the frequency range from 10.46-23.05GHz (covering the entire Ku- and part of the K-band) with angular stability of 40 above the PCR value of 80%. In the meantime, an LTC with relative bandwidth of 75% in the frequency range from 9.53-9.79&24.74-25.27GHz is numerically revealed. These polarization converters exhibit relatively good performances of facile structure and multi-functional properties, which can be useful in Ku- and K-band applications.

WITHDRAWN: Cross polarization converter with high transmittance and near unity polarization conversion efficiency for visible light based on bilayer all-dielectric metasurface

It is highly desired to achieve high efficiency polarization converters in visible wavelength region for ultra-compact optical systems which have shown potential applications in optical sensing, communication and imaging. Due to the intrinsic property of low loss, all dielectric metasurfaces are more competitive candidates to be utilized for fabrication of polarization converters than the counterparts based on metals. In this paper, we design a bilayer all dielectric metasurface polarization converter composed of a Si double-rod resonator placed on the top of a glass block with a polymer substrate for linearly polarized visible light. The proposed bilayer metasurface structure can convert linearly polarized light to the cross-polarized light efficiently within the visible region from 542 nm to 563 nm in the transmission mode with high transmittance and near unity polarization conversion efficiency. The transmittance is larger than 0.8 in the mentioned wavelength range with a maximum transmission of 0.86 at 556 nm and polarization conversion ratio is larger than 90% in the same wavelength range with a maximum polarization conversion ratio of 99.01% at 556 nm. The underline physical mechanisms of high conversion efficiency and high transmittance are analyzed in detail with simulated distributions of surface current, electrical field distributions and the calculated multipole decompositions of the scattering power.