Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere

Abstract The classical Pancharatnam-Berry phase, a variant of the geometric phase, arises purely from the modulation of the polarization state of a light beam. Due to its dependence on polarization changes, it cannot be effectively utilized for wavefront shaping in systems that require maintaining a...

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Main Authors: Jinxing Li, Aloke Jana, Yueyi Yuan, Kuang Zhang, Shah Nawaz Burokur, Patrice Genevet
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60956-2
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author Jinxing Li
Aloke Jana
Yueyi Yuan
Kuang Zhang
Shah Nawaz Burokur
Patrice Genevet
author_facet Jinxing Li
Aloke Jana
Yueyi Yuan
Kuang Zhang
Shah Nawaz Burokur
Patrice Genevet
author_sort Jinxing Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The classical Pancharatnam-Berry phase, a variant of the geometric phase, arises purely from the modulation of the polarization state of a light beam. Due to its dependence on polarization changes, it cannot be effectively utilized for wavefront shaping in systems that require maintaining a constant (co-polarized) polarization state. Here, we present a novel topologically protected phase modulation mechanism capable of achieving anti-symmetric full 2π phase shifts with near-unity efficiency for two orthogonal co-polarized channels. Compatible with -but distinct from- the dynamic phase, this approach exploits phase circulation around a hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere. We validate this concept in the microwave regime through the implementation of multi-layer chiral metasurfaces. This new phase modulation mechanism expands the design toolbox of flat optics for light modulation beyond conventional techniques.
format Article
id doaj-art-4851654dc7a94879ae6eaa887774fdac
institution DOAJ
issn 2041-1723
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
record_format Article
series Nature Communications
spelling doaj-art-4851654dc7a94879ae6eaa887774fdac2025-08-20T03:03:44ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-07-011611710.1038/s41467-025-60956-2Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphereJinxing Li0Aloke Jana1Yueyi Yuan2Kuang Zhang3Shah Nawaz Burokur4Patrice Genevet5Department of Microwave Engineering, Harbin Institute of TechnologyDepartment of Physics, Colorado School of MinesDepartment of Microwave Engineering, Harbin Institute of TechnologyDepartment of Microwave Engineering, Harbin Institute of TechnologyLEME, Univ Paris NanterreDepartment of Physics, Colorado School of MinesAbstract The classical Pancharatnam-Berry phase, a variant of the geometric phase, arises purely from the modulation of the polarization state of a light beam. Due to its dependence on polarization changes, it cannot be effectively utilized for wavefront shaping in systems that require maintaining a constant (co-polarized) polarization state. Here, we present a novel topologically protected phase modulation mechanism capable of achieving anti-symmetric full 2π phase shifts with near-unity efficiency for two orthogonal co-polarized channels. Compatible with -but distinct from- the dynamic phase, this approach exploits phase circulation around a hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere. We validate this concept in the microwave regime through the implementation of multi-layer chiral metasurfaces. This new phase modulation mechanism expands the design toolbox of flat optics for light modulation beyond conventional techniques.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60956-2
spellingShingle Jinxing Li
Aloke Jana
Yueyi Yuan
Kuang Zhang
Shah Nawaz Burokur
Patrice Genevet
Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere
Nature Communications
title Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere
title_full Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere
title_fullStr Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere
title_full_unstemmed Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere
title_short Exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the Poincaré sphere
title_sort exploiting hidden singularity on the surface of the poincare sphere
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60956-2
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