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Optimizing structured surfaces for diffractive waveguides

Author

Listed:
  • Yuntian Wang

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Yuhang Li

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Tianyi Gan

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Kun Liao

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

  • Mona Jarrahi

    (University of California
    University of California)

  • Aydogan Ozcan

    (University of California
    University of California
    University of California)

Abstract

We introduce universal diffractive waveguide designs that can match the performance of conventional dielectric waveguides and achieve various functionalities. Optimized using deep learning, diffractive waveguides can be cascaded to form any desired length and are comprised of transmissive diffractive surfaces that permit the propagation of desired modes with low loss and high mode purity. In addition to guiding the targeted modes through cascaded diffractive units, we also developed various waveguide components and introduced bent diffractive waveguides, rotating the direction of mode propagation, as well as spatial and spectral mode filtering and mode splitting diffractive waveguide designs, and mode-specific polarization control. This framework was experimentally validated in the terahertz spectrum to selectively pass certain spatial modes while rejecting others. Without the need for material dispersion engineering diffractive waveguides can be scaled to operate at different wavelengths, including visible and infrared spectrum, covering potential applications in, e.g., telecommunications, imaging, sensing and spectroscopy.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuntian Wang & Yuhang Li & Tianyi Gan & Kun Liao & Mona Jarrahi & Aydogan Ozcan, 2025. "Optimizing structured surfaces for diffractive waveguides," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60626-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60626-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lian-Wee Luo & Noam Ophir & Christine P. Chen & Lucas H. Gabrielli & Carl B. Poitras & Keren Bergmen & Michal Lipson, 2014. "WDM-compatible mode-division multiplexing on a silicon chip," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-7, May.
    2. Che-Yung Shen & Jingxi Li & Tianyi Gan & Yuhang Li & Mona Jarrahi & Aydogan Ozcan, 2024. "All-optical phase conjugation using diffractive wavefront processing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-21, December.
    3. Jingtian Hu & Deniz Mengu & Dimitrios C. Tzarouchis & Brian Edwards & Nader Engheta & Aydogan Ozcan, 2024. "Diffractive optical computing in free space," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-21, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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