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    All-in-one modular metasurfaces enabling multiparameter manipulation and function switching

    Kun Song, Hao Yuan, Yidan Zhao, Yuan Wang, Qiang Chen, Zhenfei Li*, Yahong Liu, Min Wang†, and Xiaopeng Zhao

    Ruonan Ji

    Qian Zhao‡

    • MOE Key Laboratory of Materials Physics and Chemistry under Extraordinary Conditions, and Shaanxi Basic Discipline (Liquid Physics) Research Center, School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China

    • State Key Laboratory of Tribology in Advanced Equipment, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

    • *Contact author: zhenfei_li@nwpu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: minwang@nwpu.edu.cn
    • ‡Contact author: zhaoqian@tsinghua.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 024087 – Published 27 February, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/38dd-6qfd

    Abstract

    Controlling the amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves is essential for multifunctional metasurfaces; however, conventional designs become exponentially more complex as additional functionalities are added. Here, we present a modular approach to a universal, multifunctional polarization controller that combines wavefront, phase, and polarization manipulation. First, we propose a set of chiral enantiomer metasurfaces for polarization conversion, and these are then combined with phase-gradient metasurfaces to construct dual-functional modules. These modules enable simultaneous wavefront shaping and polarization conversion with over 95% efficiency across a 27.6% relative bandwidth from 9.7 to 12.8 GHz. Our experimental results demonstrate that cascading the modules at optimized distances with mechanical rotations achieves broadband control over the wavefront, polarization, and amplitude. This includes linear and circular polarization beam splitters with a conversion efficiency greater than 90% and an axis ratio below 3 dB, neutral-density-filter-like devices with tunable transmittance ranging from 0% to 90%, and arbitrary polarization rotators spanning from 0∘ to 180∘. The architecture enables reconfigurable functionality without active components, relying on Fabry-Pérot interference and spatial arrangement. This work establishes a paradigm for compact electromagnetic systems with applications in beam steering and adaptive optics and paves the way for industrial adoption through simplified fabrication.

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