Application of Metasurfaces in Integrated Photonics

Integrated photonics, which employs photons for the processing and transmission of information, offers the potential for miniaturization, reduced weight, stabilization, and enhanced performance of optical systems. This technology presents extensive application opportunities in areas such as optical communication, sensing, computing, and quantum information. Metasurfaces, as two-dimensional metamaterials, are particularly adept at manipulating electromagnetic waves, boasting attributes such as thinness, facile fabrication, and low loss. The integration of metasurfaces with photonic devices facilitates the consolidation of multiple optical functions within a single photonic device, thereby progressively reshaping the landscape of photonic integrated circuits. This paper focuses on research progress in tailoring optical modes and manipulating surface waves through the integration of metasurfaces with traditional waveguides (forming metamaterial waveguides), as well as innovative applications of metasurfaces in emitting, receiving, and modulating devices. Research results indicate that metasurfaces significantly enhance the performance and functional integration of photonic devices. However, transitioning from research outcomes to commercial applications, metamaterial photonic devices face numerous challenges in design, manufacturing, and compatible integration.