Plasma-state metasurfaces for ultra-intensive field manipulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces plasma-state metasurfaces that enable advanced manipulation of ultra-intense laser fields, extending metasurface technology into high-power plasma environments for potential applications in laser-plasma interactions.

Contribution

It experimentally demonstrates plasma-state metasurfaces capable of controlling high-power laser properties, a novel extension of metasurfaces into plasma regimes.

Findings

Demonstrated plasma-state metasurfaces via photonic spin Hall effect

Achieved stable vortex beam generation with intense light

Functionality persists for several picoseconds, suitable for femtosecond lasers

Abstract

High-power lasers offer ultrahigh intensities for plasma interactions, but they lack advanced techniques to control the properties of the fields, because no optical elements could withstand their high intensities. The vibrant field of metasurfaces has transformed modern optics by enabling unprecedented control over light at subwavelength through deliberate design. However, metasurfaces have traditionally been limited to solid-state materials and low light intensities. Extending the sophisticated capabilities of metasurfaces from solids into the plasma realm would open new horizons for high-field science. Here, we experimentally demonstrate plasma-state metasurfaces (PSMs) through the photonic spin Hall effect and stable-propagating vortex beam generation irradiated by intense light. Time-resolved pump-probe measurements reveal that the functionality of PSMs can persist for several picoseconds, making them suitable for controlling ultra-intense femtosecond lasers, even in state-of-the-art multi-petawatt systems. Harnessing the powerful toolkit of metasurfaces, this approach holds the promise to revolutionize our ability to manipulate the amplitude, phase, polarization, and wavefront of high-power lasers during their pulse duration. It also opens new possibilities for innovative applications in laser-plasma interactions such as compact particle acceleration and novel radiation sources.