Metasurface-Based Full-Parameter Optical Multiplexing

Abstract: Optical multiplexing is a key technique that enhances the capacity of optical systems by independently modulating various optical parameters to carry distinct information. Among these parameters, wavelength, polarization, and angle are the primary ones for multiplexing in plane waves with uniform cross-sectional distribution. While metasurfaces have recently emerged as a powerful platform for optical multiplexing, they are typically restricted to partial parameter multiplexing and exhibit a low number of multiplexing channels. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the full-parameter multiplexing of polarization, wavelength, and angle, achieving hundreds of distinct multiplexing channels,the largest reported to date. Our design utilizes a gradient-based optimization algorithm to enable high-efficiency performance and independent functionalities with minimal cross-talk among channels. This approach represents a significant advancement in metasurface design and optical multiplexing, with potential applications in complex and dynamic optical systems.