Work

Multifunctional metalens design and optimization based on bilayer phase-change materials at near-infrared wavelength

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Flat optical components capable of dynamic multifunctional control are essential for next-generation imaging, anti-counterfeiting, and communication technologies. Here, we demonstrate a reconfigurable metalens based on a bilayer Sb 2 Se 3 metasurface operating at 1064 nm in the near-infrared regime. By harnessing the large refractive index contrast between amorphous and crystalline phases and employing Pancharatnam–Berry phase engineering, the device enables non-volatile switching among tunable focal lengths, variable focus intensities, and dual- or single-focus modes. Reversible phase transitions of individual Sb 2 Se 3 nanofins in upper and lower layers allow arbitrary switching between F 1 , F 2 , and combined F 1 + F 2 focusing states, with focusing efficiency exceeding 50%. Building on this, we further show programmable pattern generation across different focal planes by spatially controlling the phase states of meta-atom arrays, enabling intensity-tunable image rendering for compact, high-security optical anti-counterfeiting systems. This work advances programmable photonics through a scalable and integrable platform for adaptive flat optics.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.585399

Authors: Cuiping Yu, Sihong Zhou, Yimeng Zhu, Youwei Yang, Qinghui Pan, Yong Shuai

Language: English

Topic: Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province

Awards: G3972399377, G7087281585, G8935717559