Equivalence of reflection paths of light and Feynman paths in stacked metasurfaces

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that light reflection paths in stacked metasurfaces are mathematically equivalent to Feynman paths in quantum mechanics, supported by experimental realization and semi-analytical modeling.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analogy between optical reflection paths in metasurfaces and Feynman paths, providing a new framework for understanding light-matter interactions in layered nanostructures.

Findings

Experimental metasurface stack realization confirming theoretical predictions

Derivation of all possible light reflection paths within the stack

Establishment of an analogy between optical paths and quantum Feynman paths

Abstract

We show the existence of virtual polarization states during the interaction of modes in metasurface stacks. In support of our findings we experimentally realize a metasurface stack, consisting of an isotropic layer of nano-patches and an anisotropic layer of nano-wires. Utilizing an analogy to the interaction of electrons at junctions in mesoscopic electron transport via Feynman paths, we present a semi-analytical description of the modal interaction inside this stack. We then derive a series of all possible reflection paths light can take inside the metasurface stack.