Qing-Hua Guo

Polarization-independent coherent perfect absorption by a dipole-like metasurface

We show that polarization-independent coherent perfect absorption can be realized in a simple dipole-like metasurface by precisely engineering the ratio between the scattering loss γ(s) and the dissipation loss γ(l). This effect can be traced to a critical condition on the scattering matrix in a dipolar picture, which requires that the scattering and dissipation losses are equivalent, i.e., γ(s) = γ(l), at the resonant frequency f(0). This work expands the capability of metasurface in getting extreme optical properties, allowing for many potential applications.

Circular polarizer via selective excitation of photonic angular momentum states in metamaterials

We propose a scheme in realizing a compact circular polarizer by using a metamaterial with a properly designed input meta-surface. This scheme is based on the selective excitation of photonic angular momentum states in a coaxial element array by the symmetry-broken input meta-surface. The topological charge m of the excited photonic angular momentum state in the coaxial element determines the handedness of the transmitted light via the orbit-spin conversion of the angular momentum of light. A net circular-polarization generation efficiency of 64.5% for a linearly polarized incidence is demonstrated.

Exceptional points in extraordinary optical transmission through dual subwavelength metallic gratings

Complex metamaterials with multiple optical resonances in constituent elements possess many similarities with open quantum systems that can be described by non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. By analogy with a two-state open quantum system, we show that a classic analogue of exceptional points can be observed in the transmission spectra of dual subwavelength metallic gratings. Anti-crossing (crossing) between the two branches λ(R) of extraordinary optical transmission, with crossing (anti-crossing) of the corresponding widths Γ(R), is observed in the parameter space spanned by the lateral displacement L and the angle of incidence φ0. Exchanges of field patterns and phases, and the variation of field profile when circling the exceptional point are discussed. This work highlights the potential to transfer the concepts and applications from open quantum systems to optical metamaterials.

Slow light from sharp dispersion by exciting dark photonic angular momentum states.

A photonic angular momentum state (PAMS) with a topological charge of m≠±1 is dipole forbidden at all polarizations of free-space incidence due to the existence of a unique helical phase. We show that by indirectly exciting dark PAMSs through coupling with a bright resonant element, a sharply variant transmission behavior and strong dispersion can be achieved. This behavior can subsequently be utilized in slow light. A metamaterial design, in which a group index n(g) greater than 500 can be achieved, is present.

Nonreciprocal optical diffraction by a single layer of gyromagnetic cylinders

We study the diffraction of optical waves by a single layer of gyromagnetic cylinders. We show that a nonvanishing rotating dipole momentum is excited in a single gyromagnetic cylinder because of the classic analog of the Zeeman effect on photonic angular momentum states (PAMSs). Consequently, different collective dipole modes are excited in a gyromagnetic cylinder array at opposite incident angles. Nonreciprocal optical diffraction effects can be observed, where the transmission and reflection coefficients depend on the sign of the incident angle. A novel phenomenon of nonreciprocal negative directional transmission is demonstrated and numerically analyzed. This work highlights the potential of PAMSs in manipulating the propagation of optical waves for various applications.

Manipulation of dark photonic angular momentum states via magneto-optical effect for tunable slow-light performance

We propose a novel scheme in realizing tunable slow-light performance by manipulating dark photonic angular momentum states (PAMSs) in metamaterials via the magneto-optical effect. We show that by applying a static magnetic field B, some pairs of sharp transmission dips can be observed in the background transparency window of a complex metamaterial design. Each pair of transmission dips are related to the excitation of dark PAMSs with opposite topological charges -m and +m, with a lifted degeneracy due to the classic analogue of Zeeman effect. Nonreciprocal characteristics can be observed in the distributions of field amplitude and transverse energy flux. The performance of slow light, including the group index ng, its abnormal feature, the associated strong absorption and the dependence with B are also discussed.

Guided modes in magneto-optical waveguides and the role in resonant transmission

Magneto-optical (MO) effect can break the reciprocal propagation of an optical wave along a MO-metal interface. We show that this nonreciprocal property also influences the guided modes in metal-MO-metal waveguides. Especially, the field profiles of the guided modes are neither symmetric nor anti-symmetric, but asymmetric. We then study the resonant optical transmission through a thin metal film with subwavelength MO slits. Magnetic field changes the transmission spectra of the structure, and a MO-induced transparent window is open, where the MO medium becomes extremely anisotropic. The guided-mode mediated high transmission is associated with an asymmetric field distribution and a circling energy flux.

Enhanced optical angular momentum in cylinder waveguides with negative-index metamaterials

The optical angular momentum (AM) of helical electromagnetic (EM) modes in cylinder waveguides with negative-index metamaterials (NIM) is investigated. The AM density in NIM is shown to be negative valued with respect to the azimuthal mode index, in sharp contrast to that in regular dielectrics and vacuum. Furthermore, the AM flux per single-photon flux is found to be greatly enhanced in the NIM waveguides; its value depends on the form of EM momentum used in the AM. This interesting phenomenon is shown to be associated with the unique trapped EM modes in the NIM waveguides. Our investigation results could contribute to many potential applications, especially in realizing high density optical memory and buffers, and in solving the Abraham–Minkowski dilemma.

Gouy phase of optical beams in anisotropic indefinite metamaterials

The Gouy phase shift of optical beams in anisotropic indefinite metamaterials displays extraordinary characteristics because of the presence of anisotropic magnetic and electric responses. We propose a simple interpretation of these characteristics from the unusual dispersion relation of the optical waves in the metamaterials, which influences the expectation value of the axial propagation constant of the focused beam.

Spin-sensitive distribution of electromagnetic field via spin-orbit interaction in structured metamaterials

We investigate the spin-sensitive distribution of electromagnetic (EM) field from a kind of defective inhomogeneous anisotropic metamaterial, with azimuthally distributed subwavelength rectangular holes within a distribution angle of Φ<2π. This structure supports the spin-orbit interaction in the optical angular momentum, induced by the Pancharatnam-Berry phase from the manipulation of the spin states of polarization. Spin-sensitive distributions of electric field intensity, spin states of polarization, and transverse energy flow in the transmitted EM field are investigated. Importance of this investigation and the possible applications are discussed.