Design of boadband THz multi-beam splitting metasurface

Abstract

Generating multiple local oscillator (LO) beams by beam splitters is a crucial aspect of large heterodyne array receivers operating at terahertz (THz) frequencies, with over 100 pixels. Metasurfaces have received considerable attention due to their unique and flexible wavefront modulation capabilities. Nevertheless, the design of beam-splitting metasurfaces faces significant challenges in increasing the number of diffraction beams, improving power efficiency, and achieving greater homogeneity. A SA-GS-based design model for beam-splitting metasurfaces is proposed to achieve multi-beam with high power efficiency and homogeneity. As a proof of concept, we have designed and optimized a 16-beam splitting metasurface from 0.82 THz to 1.6 THz. The objective is to develop large-pixel THz multi-beam heterodyne array receivers and optical systems. The number of beams is also extended to 100-, 144-, 225-, and 289-beam configurations, with power efficiencies of 93.55%, 93.92%, 96.01%, and 96.18% at 0.85 THz, respectively. Moreover, the main beams exhibit excellent homogeneity. This model can be employed in the design of multi-beam metasurfaces with variable deflection angles and intensity ratios. Finally, the multi-beam splitting metasurface is fabricated, and the experimental measurement agrees with the simulation. This work presents an effective approach for the inverse design of beam splitters or holographic imaging devices.