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Meta-optics redefines microdisplay: monolithic color LCoS without polarization dependency

Author

Listed:
  • Xiangnian Ou

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering)

  • Yueqiang Hu

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering
    Hunan University, Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation
    Hunan University, Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory of Micro-Nano Optical Devices, Shenzhen Research Institute)

  • Dian Yu

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering)

  • Shulin Liu

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering)

  • Shaozhen Lou

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering)

  • Zhiwen Shu

    (Hunan University, Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation)

  • Wenzhi Wei

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering)

  • Man Liu

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering)

  • Jianxiong Li

    (Longgang District, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Bantian)

  • Tianhai Chang

    (Longgang District, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Bantian)

  • Na Liu

    (University of Stuttgart, 2nd Physics Institute)

  • Huigao Duan

    (Hunan University, National Research Center for High-Efficiency Grinding, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering
    Hunan University, Greater Bay Area Institute for Innovation)

Abstract

Liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panels are pivotal to high-resolution optical projection and imaging displays, yet their inherent polarization sensitivity and reliance on multi-chip architectures for color reproduction constrain the upper limit of light utilization, increase system complexity and restrict broader applicability. Here, we demonstrate a monolithic color meta-LCoS prototype that integrates dual-layer metasurfaces to achieve polarization-insensitive, full-color amplitude modulation on a single chip. Polarization sensitivity is eliminated via a synergistic design combining metasurface-enabled polarization conversion and voltage-controlled liquid crystal phase modulation, achieving a high-contrast, polarization-insensitive optical switch. By embedding red, green, and blue metasurface subpixels and meticulously designed off-axis angles, enabling direct color synthesis through a unified device. We showcase a 64-pixel monochrome and a 9-pixel color prototype capable of dynamically projecting diverse patterns under unpolarized illumination. Fully compatible with existing LCoS fabrication processes, our device significantly reduces system complexity and cost, offering transformative applications in next-generation projectors and AR/VR displays.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiangnian Ou & Yueqiang Hu & Dian Yu & Shulin Liu & Shaozhen Lou & Zhiwen Shu & Wenzhi Wei & Man Liu & Jianxiong Li & Tianhai Chang & Na Liu & Huigao Duan, 2025. "Meta-optics redefines microdisplay: monolithic color LCoS without polarization dependency," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-66032-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-66032-z
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