Metamaterial Polarization Modulator (IMAGE)

Optica

Metamaterial Polarization Modulator

Caption

Researchers have created a new metamaterial half-wave plate operating at millimeter wavelengths that is less than 1-millimeter thick. When light reflects off the device, the polarization parallel to the wire-grid is reversed in its orientation, whereas the polarization perpendicular to it stays in the same direction. The overall effect is to create a differential phase-shift between orthogonal polarizations equal to 180 degrees. The rotation of the plate causes modulation of the polarization.

Credit

Giampaolo Pisano, Cardiff University

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