Full-space Cloud of Random Points with a Scrambling Metasurface

• DOI: 10.1038/s41377-018-0064-3
• Publication Date: 2018-09-06T12:14:46Z
• Authors: Zile Li; Qi Dai; Muhammad Q. Mehmood; Guangwei Hu; Boris Luk’ yanchuk; Jin Tao; Chenglong Hao; Inki Kim; Heonyeong Jeong; Guoxing Zheng; Shaohua Yu; Andrea Alù; Junsuk Rho; Cheng-Wei Qiu
• Keywords: Terabyte; Ranging; Scrambling

With the rapid progress in computer science, including artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing, full-space spot generation can be pivotal to many practical applications, such as facial recognition, motion detection, augmented reality, etc. These opportunities may achieved by using diffractive optical elements (DOEs) or light detection ranging (LIDAR). However, DOEs suffer from intrinsic limitations, demanding depth-controlled fabrication techniques, large thicknesses (more than wavelength), Lambertian operation only half space, LIDAR nevertheless relies on complex bulky scanning systems, which hinders miniaturization of generator. Here, inspired a scatterer, we report Hermitian-conjugate metasurface scrambling incident random points full space with compressed information density, functioning both transmission reflection spaces. Over 4044 spots are experimentally observed entire covering angles at nearly 90°. Our is made amorphous silicon uniform subwavelength height, continuous phase coverage, lightweight, flexible design, low-heat dissipation. Thus, it mass produced integrated into existing semiconductor foundry designs. work opens important directions for emerging 3D recognition sensors, sensing, other applications.