Lin Deng PhD Dissertation Defense

Name:
Lin Deng

Title:
Function Capacity Expansion of Nano-Optics via Multiplexed Metasurfaces

Date:
4/15/2024

Time:
1:30:00 PM

Location:
SL 011

Committee Members:
Prof. Yongmin Liu (advisor)
Prof. Hossein Mosallaei
Prof. Sunil Mittal

Abstract:
Throughout history, the exploration of light has been fundamental to our understanding of the world and has driven advancements in technology and communication. Metasurfaces, composed of rationally designed nanostructures, offer a revolutionary means to control light in a prescribed manner. Metasurfaces can operate in conventional free space, and the emerging integrated photonics domain. Maximizing functionality and degrees of freedom (DOFs) in both arenas is paramount. My thesis aims to push the limit of metasurface capabilities by leveraging multiplexing strategies across input/output parameters such as polarization, incidence angle, and waveguide mode. I will present three novel metasurfaces as follows.

(1) We aim to expand nano-printing multiplexing capacity using the Polarization-Encoded Lenticular Nano-Printing (Pollen) method. When employing three input/output polarization pairs and varying detection angles, a single metasurface device enables the observation of up to 49 high-resolution nano-printing images.

(2) By integrating metasurfaces with waveguides, we can couple guided modes to free space while controlling wavefront and polarization. Our research exploits the multiplexed on-chip metasurface, which could generate multiple functions depending on the polarization states and waveguide mode propagation directions.

(3) We investigated mode division multiplexing (MDM) for high-volume optical transmission, enabling multiple waveguide modes to coexist without interference. By manipulating the orientations of individual nanoantennas, we have achieved on-demand mode conversion and focusing effects, demonstrating promising results in various scenarios.

In conclusion, my research seeks to push the boundaries of metasurface functionalities through innovative multiplexing approaches. The research findings allow us to unlock new possibilities in optical display, communication, manipulation, and beyond by integrating multiple functionalities into single free-space and on-chip metasurfaces.