Optical receivers using dielectric metasurfaces for coherent optical communication

Abstract

A dielectric metasurface, composed of subwavelength dielectric structures densely arranged on a two-dimensional plane, is an ultrathin optical component that can freely control both the wavefront and polarization state of incident light. We have proposed and demonstrated that by applying dielectric metasurfaces to high-speed coherent optical communication devices, which fully harness the full degrees of light, we can compactly realize unique functionalities that are difficult to achieve with conventional waveguide-based devices or bulky optical components. This paper presents the underlying principles, experimental results, and discusses the future prospects of these devices.