Meta-optical processors for broadband complex-field image operations

TL;DR

This paper introduces a broadband dielectric metasurface platform capable of performing multiple complex image processing tasks on both amplitude and phase inputs within a compact design, advancing optical computing technology.

Contribution

It presents a versatile, broadband metasurface processor designed via inverse engineering, capable of executing various image operations on different input types within a compact form factor.

Findings

Performs edge detection and pattern recognition across 200nm visible spectrum

Operates on both amplitude- and phase-encoded inputs

Features a compact, integrated optical processing architecture

Abstract

All-optical image processing provides a fast and energy-efficient alternative to conventional electronic systems by directly manipulating optical wavefronts. However, metasurface-based optical processors reported to date are often limited in functionality, operating bandwidth, or input modality, which restricts their adaptability across different image processing tasks. Here, we demonstrate a broadband metasurface platform capable of performing diverse analog image processing operations on both amplitude- and phase-encoded inputs. This platform is realized using a single-layer dielectric metasurface designed through an end-to-end, task-driven inverse design framework. By tailoring the spatial-frequency components of incident image wavefronts, the metasurface implements analog operations such as edge detection and pattern recognition across a 200nm wavelength bandwidth in the visible spectrum. Furthermore, we develop a compact processor architecture that integrates imaging and computation within a reduced optical footprint. These results establish a flexible and compact metasurface-based optical processor with strong potential for integration into practical imaging and optical computing systems.