volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

Scalar and vector beams, distinguished by spatially homogeneous and inhomogeneous polarization states respectively, are highly coveted in photonics, especially when being tightly focused. However, current generation methods either rely on cumbersome optical components or suffer from limited functionalities, hindering progress in compact integration of multifunctional optical components. Here, we introduce a versatile plasmonic metalens platform that generates focused scalar and vector beams with an ultracompact planar architecture and a total thickness of only ≈ 245 nm, by utilizing nanoscale quarter-wave plates to impart tailored spatial phase profiles and polarization distributions onto circularly polarized incident light. We validate our approach through experimental demonstration of single-focal and dual-focal metalenses designed for scalar beams with spin-dependent linear polarization states to be focused by exclusively exploiting resonance-induced phase control across a broadband near-infrared spectrum. In addition, we demonstrate the joint exploitation of resonance and geometric phases to generate focused spin-controlled vector beams, specifically radially and azimuthally polarized beams, carrying orbital angular momentum with topological charges of l = ±1. Beyond focusing, we extend the nano-QWP library to 16 elements and numerically demonstrate dual-channel polarization-multiplexed holographic imaging, highlighting the adaptability of the same design framework to spatially complex optical fields. These results establish an ultrathin and multifunctional framework for simultaneous wavefront, polarization, and angular-momentum control, with potential applications in integrated structured-light sources and routes for fundamental studies of complex light-matter interactions.

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Dr. Yadong Deng

Dr. Chao Meng

Sören im Sande

Dr. Yan Zhou

Dr. Zhangwei Yu

Dr. Daru Chen

Dr. Sergey I. Bozhevolnyi

Prof. Fei Ding