Metasurface-Integrated Polarization-Insensitive LCoS for Projection Displays

TL;DR

This paper introduces a dual-layer metasurface-integrated LCoS that achieves polarization insensitivity and high contrast in projection displays, reducing size and increasing efficiency, with a prototype demonstrating addressable pattern generation.

Contribution

The work presents a novel metasurface-integrated LCoS design that eliminates polarization sensitivity and enhances performance in projection displays.

Findings

Achieved polarization-insensitive amplitude modulation in visible light.

Developed a 64-pixel addressable prototype for projection patterns.

Enhanced energy efficiency and reduced system size.

Abstract

Liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panels, renowned for their high resolution and fill-factor, are integral to modern projection displays. However, their inherent polarization sensitivity constrains the upper limit of light utilization, increases system complexity and restricts broader applicability. Here, we demonstrate a dual-layer metasurface-integrated LCoS prototype that achieves polarization-insensitive, addressable amplitude modulation in the visible. Polarization sensitivity is eliminated in the reflective architecture through polarization conversion in the underlying metasurface and polarization-sensitive phase modulation of the liquid crystals (LC). This is further enhanced by the electrically tunable subwavelength grating formed by the upper metasurface and LC, resulting in a high-contrast, polarization-insensitive optical switch. We showcase a 64-pixel 2D addressable prototype capable of generating diverse projection patterns with high contrast. Compatible with existing LCoS processes, our metasurface device reduces system size and enhances energy efficiency, offering applications in projectors and AR/VR displays, with the potential to redefine projection chip technology.