Polarization-Multiplexed Multifunctional Metasurface for Holography and Point Cloud Projection

• Grant number: 25/08842-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Telecommunications
• Principal Investigator: Eric Rohmer
• Grantee: Luana de Moraes Leitão Gonçalves Vaz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação (FEEC)
• Associated research grant: 21/00199-8 - SMART NEtworks and ServiceS for 2030 (SMARTNESS), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Metasurfaces are two-dimensional artificial optical surfaces with a remarkable ability to manipulate light-matter interactions at scales smaller than the subwavelength level. In particular, their precise and flexible control over light fields offers a promising approach for the development of highly integrated optical devices capable of performing multiple complex functions. In this thesis work, polarization-multiplexed metasurfaces will be developed, integrating the functionalities of metaholography and Dammann gratings. By utilizing orthogonally polarized light to optimize these functions, the metasurface will be able to display high-quality holographic images in the Fresnel region for one polarization while projecting a uniform point cloud that covers the entire transmission space for the orthogonal polarization. Proof-of-concept demonstrations will be presented, including projection and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction experiments to showcase its applicability in retrieving 3D spatial information from real-world scenarios. The simultaneous generation of holographic images and point clouds could pave the way for next-generation optical devices in cutting-edge technologies such as smart driving and robotic vision. As a key enabling result, this research project will contribute unique point cloud video datasets in support of the immersive media research activities within SMARTNESS work packages. (AU)