Monolayer Metasurface Polarization Component

Simultaneous polarization control and power balancing

Integrates a linear polarizer and quarter-wave plate in a single functional layer, offering a compact polarization control solution for chip-scale atomic clocks.

Wang, Taolong · Li, Zhiqiang · Liang, Ting · Yu, Jiangang · Yao, Zong · Lei, Cheng

Micromachines 2025

Specifications

Polarization Extinction Ratio

{'zh': '4.8', 'en': '4.8'} dB

Degree of Polarization

{'zh': '74.2', 'en': '74.2'} %

Short-term frequency stability (1 s)

{'zh': '9.29e-11', 'en': '9.29e-11'}

Short-term frequency stability (10,000 s)

{'zh': '1.59e-11', 'en': '1.59e-11'}

Advantages

Co-optimized with attenuation

The metasurface simultaneously controls polarization and balances optical power, contributing to stable optical signal levels in atomic clocks.

Applications

• Chip-Scale Atomic Clocks：Replaces discrete polarization optics to reduce size and simplify assembly.
• Integrated Photonic Polarization Control：Provides polarization control in a compact form suitable for on-chip integration.
• Miniature Timing Systems：Improves frequency stability while reducing size for enhanced portability.
• On-Chip Optical Components：Implements polarization control in a single functional layer, saving on-chip space.