Phase-change nonlocal metasurfaces for dynamic wavefront manipulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces phase-change nonlocal metasurfaces that enable dynamic, reversible, and spectral-selective wavefront manipulation, advancing the development of integrated optical devices for augmented and virtual reality applications.

Contribution

The work demonstrates active, nonvolatile control of wavefronts using phase-change materials in nonlocal metasurfaces, a novel approach for tunable nanophotonic devices.

Findings

Achieved reversible spectral control over wavefronts.

Demonstrated beam steering and focusing functionalities.

Enabled tunable holographic imaging with spectral selectivity.

Abstract

Recent advances in nonlocal metasurfaces have enabled unprecedented success in shaping the wavefront of light with spectral selectivity, offering new solutions for many emerging nanophotonics applications. The ability to tune both the spectral and spatial properties of such a novel class of metasurfaces is highly desirable, but the dynamic nonvolatile control remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate active narrowband wavefront manipulation by harnessing quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) in phase-change nonlocal metasurfaces. The proof-of-principle metasurfaces made of Sb$_2$S$_3$ allow for nonvolatile, reversible, and tunable spectral control over wavefront and switchable spatial response at a given wavelength. The design principle mainly builds upon the combination of the geometry phase of quasi-BICs and the dynamic tunability of phase-change meta-atoms to tailor the spatial response of light at distinct resonant wavelengths. By tuning the crystallization level of Sb$_2$S$_3$ meta-atoms, the dynamic nonlocal wavefront-shaping functionalities of beam steering, 1D, and 2D focusing are achieved. Furthermore, we demonstrate tunable holographic imaging with active spectral selectivity using our phase-change nonlocal metasurface. This work represents a critical advance towards developing integrated dynamic nonlocal metasurface for future augmented and virtual reality wearables.