Fundamental limits and design principles of doublet metalenses

Author(s)

Martins, Augusto ; Li, Juntao ; Borges, Ben-Hur, V ; Krauss, Thomas F. ; Martins, Emiliano R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NANOPHOTONICS; v. 11, n. 6, p. 8-pg., 2022-02-16.

Abstract

Metalenses are nanostructured surfaces with great potential for delivering miniaturized and integrated optical systems. A key property of metalenses is that, by using a double layer configuration, or doublet, they can achieve both diffraction-limited resolution and wide field-of-view imaging. The physical operation and limitations of such doublet systems, however, are still not fully understood, and designs are still based on numerical optimization of the phase profiles. Here, we show the fundamental limits of doublet systems and provide a universal design strategy without any need to resort to numerical optimization. We find an analytical relationship between the focal length and the spacer thickness; we identify the physical principles underlying the limitations on performance and obtain a universal dependence of the field of view as a function of resolution (numerical aperture). Our results will allow researchers to appreciate the regimes of resolution and field of view that are accessible for specific applications, to identify the conditions for optimum performance (such as required spacer thickness), and to conveniently design doublets without needing to resort to numerical optimizations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/25372-1 - Design, fabrication and characterization of aberration-free metalenses for integrated optics applications
• Grantee: Augusto Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 20/00619-4 - Metasurfaces for imaging and sensing
• Grantee: Emiliano Rezende Martins
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/06121-0 - Electromagnetic wave propagation through complex structures
• Grantee: Ben-Hur Viana Borges
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/21455-1 - Design, fabrication and characterization of metasurfaces for diffractive optics applications
• Grantee: Augusto Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Optics and Photonic Research Center
• Grantee: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC