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

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Nature Communications
Published
2025-12-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-66032-z
Citations
1
Primary Topic
Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.43

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

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

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article en
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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.

Nature CommunicationsVol. 16(1)
University of Stuttgart (DE), Hunan University (CN), Shenzhen University (CN), Huawei Technologies (China) (CN), Bay Institute (US), Guangzhou University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 33%
Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications
0.43
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