Researchers at the Beijing Institute of Technology have developed a quasicrystal metasurface to create ‘holographic’ displays while simultaneously creating diffraction patterns.
Quasicrystal arrangements create physically unique diffraction patterns thanks to a non-periodic arrangement; traditional metasurfaces
are conventionally arranged in a periodic pattern such as a square or hexagonal structure.
The
new approach created by the researchers combines the global arrangement of metasurfaces with the local
responses of meta-atoms, opening the door for new developments for multifunctional meta-devices.
The hologram is
encoded into the local response of the meta-atoms, creating a ‘holographic’ image which is
reconstructed at a pre-defined distance. The local response of meta-atoms and their arrangement can be
modulated to transmit light, achieving dual functionality, altering the placement of nanostructures while appending additional
phase modulation which can lead to different phenomena compared to traditional diffraction patterns.
As a
result, ‘holographic’ images can be displayed both in the far-field and near-field.
Photo credit: eLight Journal