Optical image processing with metasurface dark modes

Abstract

Here we consider image processing using the optical modes of metasurfaces with an angle-dependent excitation. These spatially dispersive modes can be used to directly manipulate the spatial frequency content of an incident field, suggesting their use as ultra-compact alternatives for analog optical information processing. A general framework for describing the filtering process in terms of the optical transfer functions is provided. In the case where the relevant mode cannot be excited with a normally incident plane wave (a dark mode), high-pass filtering is obtained. We provide examples demonstrating filtering of both amplitude and pure phase objects.