Right-hand Circular Polarization Research Articles

Switchable and multifunctional terahertz photonic devices based on VO2-assisted phase encoded metasurfaces

Metasurfaces, especially coded ones, have gained significant attention for their excellent ability to control electromagnetic (EM) waves, opening up possibilities for a new generation of miniaturized devices. However, integrating multiple functionalities into a single metasurface while endowing tunable performance remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a strategy to design switchable and multifunctional terahertz (THz) photonic devices using complementary Gold-VO2 split resonant ring (GV-SRR) and complementary Gold-VO2 split resonant oblong (GV-SRO) structures. The designed devices can convert right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) light into left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) light in three frequency bands, corresponding to center frequencies fre.1 = 0.34 THz (narrowband), fre.2 = 0.50 THz (narrowband), and fre.3 = 0.80 THz (broadband). The phases of the reflected LCP wave can be independently modulated across different frequency bands by rotating the in-plane orientation of GV-SRR and GV-SRO separately. In addition, the overall phase reconstruction can be achieved through the state change of VO2. By arranging GV-SRR and GV-SRO in a defined encoding form, the engineered photonic devices can exhibit distinct and switchable capabilities in modulating EM wavefronts across various frequency ranges. As proof-of-concept examples, we have designed three encoded photonic devices, namely, a dynamic beam splitter (DBS), an achromatic and zoom metalens (AZM), and a switchable device between metalens and focusing orbital angular momentum (OAM) generator (MFOAM). These devices have potential applications in wireless communication, AR holographic displays, and information processing.

Investigation on a compact wideband omnidirectional circularly polarized antenna in an indoor propagation channel for 2.4 GHz application

SummaryIn this paper, for the first time, the capability of a compact low‐cost wideband omnidirectional circularly polarized (CP) antenna to suppress multipath fading characteristics in a typical indoor propagation channel for 2.4 GHz applications is investigated. A ray tracing method based on the geometrical optics and uniform theory of diffraction is applied to analyze an indoor propagation channel using the measured radiation patterns of the proposed antenna. The design uses a conventional monopole antenna with a circular ground plane to generate a vertically polarized electric field. Sequentially flag‐shaped stubs are then added to the ground plane to produce horizontally polarized electric field and to improve the impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna. The antenna is designed for 2.4 GHz WLAN application with 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 25.5% and 3 dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 24.5%. The polarization can be readily changed between the left‐hand circular polarization (LHCP) and right‐hand circular polarization (RHCP) by altering the direction of the coaxial probe (monopole) or varying the orientation of the printed bended stubs. Both the LHCP and RHCP prototypes of the proposed antenna are designed, fabricated, and tested, and the similar results are obtained.

A Low Profile Wideband Linear to Circular Polarization Converter Metasurface with Wide Axial Ratio and High Ellipticity

This paper introduces an ultra-wideband (UWB) reflective metasurface that exhibits the characteristics of a linear to circular (LTC) polarization conversion. The LTC polarization conversion is an orthotropic pattern comprising two equal axes, v and u, which are mutually orthogonal. Additionally, it possesses a 45° rotation with respect to the y-axis which extends vertically. The observed unit cell of the metasurface resembles a basic dipole shape. The converter has the capability to transform LP (linear polarized) waves into CP (circular polarized) waves within the frequency range 15.41–25.23 GHz. The band that contains its 3dB axial ratio lies within 15.41–25.23 GHz, which corresponds to an axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 49.1%, and the resulting circular polarized wave is specifically a right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). Additionally, an LTC polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of over 98% is achieved within the frequency range between 15 and 24 GHz. A thorough theoretical investigation was performed to discover the underlying mechanism of the LTC polarization conversion. The phase difference Δφμν among the reflection coefficients of both the v- as well as the u-polarized incidences is approximately ±90° that is accurately predictive of the AR of the reflected wave. This study highlights that the reflective metasurfaces can be used as an efficient LTC polarization conversion when the Δφμν approaches ±90°. The performance of the proposed metasurface enables versatile applications, especially in antenna design and polarization devices, through LTC polarization conversion.

Dual-band terahertz reflective-mode metasurface for the wavefront manipulation of independent linear and circular polarization waves

Metasurfaces (MSs) are being extensively researched owing to their ability to modulate the polarization and wavefront of electromagnetic (EM) waves in a flexible manner, which usually offer significant advantages including ultra-thinness, low losses, and easy fabrication. However, conventional MSs typically operate well only with a single polarization. Here, we propose a novel design strategy for a terahertz (THz) reflective-mode MS that relies on a single unit-cell arrangement combining propagation phase and geometric phase. Our designed MS can achieve multiple wavefront manipulations in reflection mode, not limited to circular polarization (CP) transformation, but also enabling linear polarization (LP) conversion. The MS we propose consists of a periodic array of bilayered metal patterned resonator structures sandwiched by a dielectric substrate. The metallic resonator is made of the outer single-split-ring (SSR) and C-shaped slot (CSS), inner double-split-ring (DSR), and its complementary structure. With this design, the MS is capable of converting a LP wave to its orthogonal counterpart at lower frequency (f1=0.7THz) after reflection. Additionally, at higher frequency (f2=1.4THz), the proposed MS can also convert the right-handed CP (RCP) to left-handed CP (LCP) upon reflection or vice versa. The 2π phase full coverage of the orthogonal LP and CP waves can be achieved independently and simultaneously by adjusting the opening and orientation angles of the SSR based on propagation phase, and orientation angle of the DSR based on geometric phase. We numerically demonstrate beam deflection, planar focusing, and the vortex beam for both reflected orthogonal LP and CP waves with three representative MSs to provide proof of concept. These findings reveal the great potential for multifunctional devices for dual-polarization in imaging and communication systems.

An online tunable TE11 dual-circular polarizer applied for modern high-power radar system

Circular polarizers have essential applications in modern radar and communication systems. However, an online tunable wideband dual-circular polarizer with a power capability of more than 150 kW in the Ku band has not been reported yet, and it has recently become a fundamental problem for developing some high-power radar systems. This paper has designed an overmoded waveguide operating in the TE11 mode with a non-contact cutting-off choke to imply a high power capability. A high-precision stepping motor is used to control the rotation of an elliptical waveguide remotely, and then, the left-hand and right-hand circular polarizations can be switched online. The dual-circular polarizer has been fitted on a 150 kW gyro-TWT high-power test system, and the experimental results show a tremendous high-power capability. The microwave leakage caused by the non-contact gap is reduced to less than −35 dB. The polarization bandwidth exceeds 2.5 GHz in the Ku band, and the axial ratio is better than 1.3 dB. This design concept provides a reference for future high-power radar systems.

Polarization conversion filter based on electromagnetically induced transparency-like effect

Owing to the large losses in the conversion process of traditional polarization converters, there is an increasing demand for metasurfaces with excellent transmission performance. In this work, an efficient polarization conversion metasurface is proposed based on electromagnetically induced transparency-like (EIT-like) effect in the terahertz band. The multi-level bright mode paths are excited by an asymmetric structure to obtain orthogonal circular polarization conversion windows. The transmission window is generated by the mutual interference of two sets of bright modes with similar resonant frequencies. Then an asymmetric structure is constructed to achieve transmission window shift under TE polarization and TM polarization, thereby realizing dual-frequency polarization conversion. The metamaterial unit structure consists of four open metal resonant rings and four metal resonant strips. The working mechanism is explored by analyzing the surface current distribution, frequency response, and incident angle characteristics. The results show that electromagnetically induced transparency can be achieved under different polarizations. Furthermore, based on the EIT resonance between the two incident polarizations, the conversion from linear polarization to right-hand circular polarization is achieved at 0.692 THz, and the conversion from linear polarization to left-hand circular polarization is realized at 0.782 THz, transmission coefficients are 0.7 and 0.68 respectively. According to the Stokes parameters, the corresponding ellipticity <i>η</i> values are 96% and 98%, respectively. This EIT-based polarization conversion metasurface with low loss and ultra-thin characteristics has great potential applications in compact antennas, derived radar phased arrays, and military detectors.

Optical properties and nanosecond laser damage characterization of liquid crystal polarization gratings

Liquid crystal polarization gratings (LCPGs) possess unique optical properties and therefore are widely used in laser systems. Therefore, developing our understanding of the laser damage resistance of LCPGs is critical for future high-intensity laser applications. In this study, the LCPGs (Λ = 8 μm) were fabricated from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) films with photo-alignment technology, which had a small-angle (∼7.51°) diffraction order with high diffraction efficiency (∼92 %) under chiral polarized incidence at 1064 nm. The diffraction efficiency and polarization of each diffraction order were determined by the polarization of the incident light. The damage characteristics of the LCPGs were investigated using a chiral polarized nanosecond laser at 1064 nm in a one-on-one test. The laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) of left-handed circular polarization (LHCP) and right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) were 8.0 J/cm2 and 8.5 J/cm2, respectively. For comparison, the LIDTs of S-polarization and P-polarization were 7.8 J/cm2 and 8.4 J/cm2, respectively. All the damage occurred at the interface between the LCP layer and the substrate when the laser fluence was near the LIDT, and the damage morphology was observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), including flat pits, cracks, and bumps at the edge of the pits. The results indicate that the LIDTs and damage morphology of the LCPGs were insensitive to the polarization of the irradiation. The electrical effects of differently polarized irradiation on the LCPGs were simulated using the finite element method (FEM). The electric field distribution was symmetrical under irradiation by LHCP and RHCP lasers. However, the distribution of the electric field under different linearly polarized irradiation conditions were distinct. Based on these findings, we believe that the contribution of chiral polarized irradiation to the damage was consistent and that the LIDTs were similar. This study has important implications for the application and development of LCPGs in high-intensity laser systems.

Terahertz spin-selective metasurface for multichannel switching of OAM

Thanks to switchable wavefronts, design methods of diverse functions are greatly enriched. However, less attention has been paid to multichannel switchable orbital angular momentums (OAMs) of metasurfaces in previous reports. In this work, a spin-selective metasurface enabling multichannel switchable OAMs is proposed in terahertz band. This metasurface is designed based on the phase change property of vanadium dioxide (VO2). Firstly, when VO2 is metal, vortex beam with topological charge of l = 2 is achieved under left-handed circular polarization (LCP) incidence. Under right-handed circular polarization (RCP) incidence, the obtained vortex beam has a topological charge of l = -3. Secondly, when VO2 is changed to insulator, function of the metasurface is correspondingly switched. Under LCP and RCP incidences, vortex beams are realized with topological charges of l = 3 and l = -2. Therefore, the designed metasurface as a multichannel vortex beam generator has switchable characteristic. Our design shows great promise in the integration of multifunctional devices.

Magnetic-electric dipole circularly polarized antenna with unidirectional radiation pattern with improved characteristics

Abstract In this paper, a compact unidirectional antenna consisting of a planar electric dipole and a shortened connecting element is introduced. This antenna is excited by a Γ-shaped feeding line. A wide impedance bandwidth in the frequency range of 1.3–3.3 GHz is observed in the output performance. Sufficient main lobe and low level back lobe have been introduced as other characteristics of the structure, based on radiation patterns. The antenna design process is evaluated step-by-step and using parametric study based on the antenna geometry. One of the main features of the desired antenna is the realization of circular polarization in a high percentage of the operational bandwidth 1.5–3.3 GHz. The radiation patterns of the orthogonal planes E-field and H-field along with the left-handed and right-handed circular polarization patterns for the desired antenna have been extracted and analyzed. A three-dimensional structure in the form of stacked stepped disks (SSD) is introduced to increase overall performance of antenna. There is an acceptable similarity between the E-field and H-field page patterns, which shows the accuracy of the design process. On the other hand, for studying the circular polarization, left-handed and right-handed patterns based on the main beam direction and orthogonal polarization level have acceptable performance. The maximum overall gain of the antenna in the designed frequency band is near to 13 dB.

Phase-change metasurfaces for dynamic control of chiral quasi-bound states in the continuum

Chiral quasi-bound states in the continuum (QBIC) offer novel mechanisms to achieve intrinsic chiroptical responses. However, current studies on chiral QBIC metasurfaces are restricted to the excitation of intrinsic chirality and fail to dynamically control its circular dichroism (CD) responses. Herein, we construct a phase-change metasurface based on paired Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) bars to demonstrate the dynamic control of the CD responses of chiral QBIC. The modified coupled mode theory (CMT) is proposed to evaluate the intrinsic chirality, and the predicted results are in good agreement with the finite–difference time-domain (FDTD) results. The maximal intrinsic chirality is associated with the spin-selected dipole mode, i.e., the coupled magnetic dipole (MD) QBIC mode for the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) light and the decoupled electric dipole (ED) QBIC mode for the right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) light. By varying the volume fraction of GST, the location of chiral BIC can be tuned linearly, and the corresponding chiral response can be switched.

Cost-Effective Design of Polarization and Bandwidth Reconfigurable Millimeter-Wave Loop Antenna.

A singly fed reconfigurable circular loop antenna is proposed for millimeter-wave (mmWave) communication systems. This antenna's distinctive feature lies in its capacity to adjust both polarization and bandwidth characteristics, a capability made possible by the strategic integration of two PIN diodes. These diodes are engineered to function in various modes, allowing for three distinct polarization states and accommodating two distinct bandwidths. A meticulous alignment of these PIN diodes enables the utilization of a single DC bias network as a highly effective RF choke, which simplifies the design and reduces the associated losses. Additionally, a planar biasing network that consists of coplanar strip-lines (CPS) has been employed eliminating the need for lumped elements. The simple and totally planar configuration offers a choice of right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) radiation or left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) radiation at 28 GHz. This is accompanied by impedance matching and axial ratio (AR) bandwidths of 12.9% and 8%, respectively, over the same frequency range with a gain of 7.5 dBic. Moreover, when the PIN diodes are unbiased, the antenna offers linear polarization (LP) over two narrow bandwidths at 27 GHz and 29 GHz featuring a maximum gain of 7.2 dBic. Therefore, the proposed configuration offers three operating modes: wide-band RHCP, wide-band-LHCP, and LP over dual narrow bands. Significantly, simulated results closely align with the measured outcomes, affirming the robustness and accuracy of this design.

Spin-decoupled meta-coupler empowered multiplexing and multifunction of guided wave radiation

Employing couplers to convert guided waves into free-space modes and flexibly control their wavefront is one of the key technologies in chip-integrated displays and communications. Traditional couplers are mainly composed of gratings, which have limitations in footprint, bandwidth, as well as controllability. Though the resonant/geometric metasurface newly emerges as a promising interface for bridging guided waves with free-space ones, it either relies on complex optimizations of multiple parameters, or is subject to the locked phase response of opposite spins, both of which hinder the functional diversity and practical multiplexing capability. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate an alternative with a spin-decoupled meta-coupler, simultaneously integrating triple functions of guided wave radiation, polarization demultiplexing, and dual-channel wavefront manipulation into a single device. By endowing polarization-dependent functionalities into a pure geometric metasurface, the out-coupled left-handed and right-handed circular polarization guided waves intelligently identify the predesigned phase modulation and reconstruct desired wavefronts, like bifocal focusing and holography multiplexing, with a polarization extinction ratio over 13.4 dB in experiments. We envision that the robust, broadband, and multifunctional meta-coupler could pave a way for the development of versatile multiplexed waveguide-based devices.

Lie-Poisson gauge theories and κ-Minkowski electrodynamics

We consider gauge theories on Poisson manifolds emerging as semiclassical approximations of noncommutative spacetime with Lie algebra type noncommutativity. We prove an important identity, which allows to obtain simple and manifestly gauge-covariant expressions for the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion, the Bianchi and the Noether identities. We discuss the non-Lagrangian equations of motion, and apply our findings to the κ-Minkowski case. We construct a family of exact solutions of the deformed Maxwell equations in the vacuum. In the classical limit, these solutions recover plane waves with left-handed and right-handed circular polarization, being classical counterparts of photons. The deformed dispersion relation appears to be nontrivial.

A wideband and high-gain circularly polarized reconfigurable antenna array based on the solid-state plasma

In this paper, a wideband and high-gain circularly polarized (CP) antenna array with polarization-reconfigurable characteristics is presented based on the solid-state plasma (SSP). The proposed antenna is composed of switchable rotating radiation structures and a switchable feed network by simulating the different SSP branches. To investigate the CP operating mechanism, a reconfigurable CP element is designed through characteristic mode analysis (CMA). A switchable sequential-phase feed network is then proposed which can provide separately two rotational excitations. A spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) is adopted for radiation patches to improve gain and axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. Finally, a high-gain and wideband 2 × 2 CP reconfigurable antenna array is designed. This array achieves left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) modes when different SSP branches are excited. The array has an overlapped impedance bandwidth of 61.9 % (3.17 to 6.01 GHz) and an overlapped AR bandwidth of 40.2 % (4.01 to 6.03 GHz) in two CP states, and the peak gain is 11.68 dBic.

Spin splitting of vortex beams on the surface of natural biaxial hyperbolic materials

We investigated the spin splitting of vortex beam on the surface of biaxial natural hyperbolic materials (NHMs) rotated by an angle with respect to the incident plane. An obvious asymmetry of spatial shifts produced by the left-handed circularly (LCP) component and right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) component is exhibited. We derived the analytical expression for in- and out-of-plane spatial shifts for each spin component of the vortex beam. The orientation angle of the optical axis plays a key role in the spin splitting between the two spin components, which can be reflected in the simple expressions for spatial shifts without the rotation angle. Based on an α-MoO3 biaxial NHM, the spatial shifts of the two spin components with the topological charge were investigated. As the topological charge increases, the spatial shifts also increase; in addition, a tiny spatial shift close to zero can be obtained if we control the incident frequency or the polarization of the reflected beams. It can also be concluded that the maximum of the spin splitting results from the LCP component at p-incidence and the RCP component at s-incidence in the RB-II hyperbolic frequency band. The effect of the incident angle and the thickness of the α-MoO3 film on spin splitting is also considered. These results can be used for manipulating infrared radiation and optical detection.

Design of a Circularly Polarized Micro-Strip Antenna for Aircraft Tracking Based on BeiDou III Compatible with Multi-Navigation System.

This paper proposed a right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) micro-strip antenna for multi-navigation system applications. The size of the antenna is 70 mm × 70 mm × 2 mm, which is fabricated on an FR4 substrate. A meandering technique on a patch layer and asymmetrical defected ground structures (DGS) are employed to achieve the purpose of miniaturization and increase the bandwidth of the axial ratio. The prototype of this antenna is fabricated according to simulations where the bandwidth of return loss, bandwidth of axial ratio, and radio pattern are further testified. The bandwidth of return loss (S11) and axial ratio (AR) of the antennas are from 1.540 GHz to 1.612 GHz and 1.554 GHz to 1.601 GHz, which would be available for L1 of GPS, L1 of SBAS, E1 of Galileo as well as B1I and B1C of BDS-3, the last two of which can be used for aircraft tracking. The relative bandwidth is 2.98%, which satisfies the standard of wide-band patch antennas.

LAGRS-Soil: A Full-Polarization GNSS-Reflectometry Model for Bare Soil Applications in FY-3E GNOS-R Payload

The Land Surface GNSS Reflection Simulator (LAGRS)-Soil model represents a significant advancement in soil moisture detection with the aid of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Occultation Sounder-Reflectometry (GNOS-R) technology, which is one payload of the Fengyun-3E (FY-3E) satellite that was launched on 5 July 2021. To fully exploit the properties of noncoherent scattering, the LAGRS-Soil model has the capability to calculate DDM information for different observational geometries, which relies on the random surface scattering models employed in LAGRS-Soil. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of soil moisture dynamics across diverse terrains and environments. One of the most notable features of LAGRS-Soil is its ability to obtain DDMs for full polarizations, which enhances soil moisture retrievals compared to current methods that only utilize the commonly used LR polarization (left-hand circular polarization received and right-hand circular polarization transmitted). Meanwhile, the model can also capture frozen soil DDMs which holds immense potential for near-surface Freezing/Thawing (F/T) detection, opening up new research and application opportunities in cold climate regions. LAGRS-Soil is built on microwave scattering models, making it a robust and efficient theoretical model for the FY-3E GNOS-R payload. This model can support ongoing soil moisture retrieval efforts by combining physical models with investigations of diffuse scattering and polarization capabilities for soil moisture detection.

Multi-polarized Fabry-Pérot resonator cavity using multilayer partially reflective metasurface in X-Band

In this paper, we propose a multi-polarized Fabry-Pérot resonator cavity (MPFPRC) by integrating the multilayer partially reflective metasurface (MPRM), the feed of multi-polarized slot coupling patch antenna and the reflective ground in X-Band. The MPRM consists of first-layer square metal patches, second-layer metal ground with square slots, third-layer square metal patches and fourth-layer partially reflective patches. Based on the MPRM, the proposed MPFPRC is capable of transforming 0°, 45° and −45° linearly polarized (LP) waves emitted by the feed into LP beam, left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) beam and right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) beam, respectively. Finally, the designed MPFPRC is simulated, processed and measured. The experimental results verify that the −3 dB gain bandwidth of LP is 9.1–10.2 GHz, the −3 dB gain bandwidth and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the LHCP are 9.0–10.0 GHz and 9.2–10.0 GHz, and the −3 dB gain bandwidth and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the RHCP are 9.0–10.0 GHz and 9.3–10.0 GHz.

Dual-Band and Multi-State Polarization Conversion Using aTerahertz Symmetry-Breaking Metadevice.

We numerically and experimentally demonstrate a terahertz metadevice consisting of split-ring resonators (SRRs) present within square metallic rings. This device can function as a dual-band polarization converter by breaking the symmetry of SRRs. Under x-polarized incidence, the metastructure is able to convert linearly polarized (LP) light into a left-hand circular-polarized (LCP) wave. Intriguingly, under y-polarized incidence, frequency-dependent conversion from LP to LCP and right-hand circular-polarized (RCP) states can be achieved at different frequencies. Furthermore, reconfigurable LCP-to-LP and RCP-to-LP switching can be simulated by integrating the device with patterned graphene and changing its Fermi energy. This dual-band and multi-state polarization control provides an alternative solution to developing compact and multifunctional components in the terahertz regime.

Magneto- and thermo-optic manipulation of imbert-fedorov shift for Laguerre-Gaussian beam in a graphene-VO2 multilayer structure

Imbert-Fedorov (IF) shift of Gaussian beams has been widely studied, while the IF shift of singular beams carrying Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) also shows unique properties when reflected or refracted at optical interfaces. Here, through theoretical deduction and analysis, the IF shift of Laguerre-Gaussian beams with varying OAM in a graphene-VO2 multilayers structure is explored. The results demonstrate that the IF shift increases with the increase of topological charge l. Under the configuration of transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE), the IF shift increases by a factor of 10 compared to the Gaussian beam when l = 3. Additionally, under the polar magneto-optical Kerr effect (PMOKE) conditions, graphene demonstrates the magneto-optical (MO) effect and cross-polarization effect in the terahertz frequency range, and can effectively control the IF shift through the magnetic field. Both left- and right-handed circular polarization (LHCP and PHCP) exhibit asymmetry and non-reciprocity. Moreover, temperature control is achieved through the unique phase transition characteristics of VO2. These results offer novel insights into precision measurements, sensing techniques and the development of terahertz devices.