Date: August 7, 2025

Editor: Zhou Huiqian 

A research team led by Professor Li Baojun and Professor Bao Yanjun from the Institute of Nanophotonics, College of Physics and Optoelectronics Engineering at Jinan University has published a groundbreaking study in the internationally renowned academic journal Advanced Functional Materials. The team successfully demonstrated parallel multiplexing of all fundamental parameters of an optical field using a single metasurface, integrating 150 independent information channels and setting a new record for optical multiplexing channel capacity.

Optical multiplexing technology, which utilizes different physical dimensions of light – such as wavelength, polarization, and wave vector direction – to carry information independently, is a core technology for enhancing the information capacity of optical systems. However, previous research has been largely confined to multiplexing single or partial parameters, making it challenging to integrate all degrees of freedom simultaneously, which limited the overall information capacity.

To address this challenge, the research team developed an efficient gradient optimization algorithm capable of co-optimizing the geometric parameters of millions of nanounits on the metasurface. This design enables the device to exhibit distinct, pre-defined optical functions based on the incident light's wavelength, polarization, and observation angle, achieving independent control over the three optical dimensions with low inter-channel crosstalk.

In experimental validation, the team designed and fabricated a corresponding metasurface device, successfully combining 2 polarization states, 3 wavelengths, and 25 observation angles to form 150 independent information channels. Applying this technology, the team demonstrated full-color dynamic image display. For instance, observers can view a continuously playing full-color Kung Fu animation or a spinning windmill simply by changing their viewing angle.

This research marks the first successful parallel multiplexing of all fundamental parameters of an optical field, significantly enhancing the information processing capability and functional integration level of optical devices. It provides a new paradigm for metasurface design and paves the way for developing ultra-compact, multifunctional optical systems.

The paper, titled High-Capacity Full-Parameter Optical Multiplexing with Metasurfaces, has been published online.

Paper link: http://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202507120