Design of a polarization-insensitive broadband achromatic metalens for mid-wave infrared detector.

Abstract

Metalenses, boasting outstanding focusing efficiency and high-resolution imaging capabilities, have generated widespread usage in fields such as integrated optics, achromatic imaging, and optical holography. In this study, we have developed a broadband achromatic metalens within the detection range from 3 to 5 µm, and it has a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.71 with a remarkable maximum focusing efficiency of 63.8% at the focal plane within the specified bandwidth. We have further delved into the dispersion control mechanism that combines the geometric and transmission phases and optimized the constructed phase response simulation database using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, ensuring a precise phase matching between the actual wavefront and the ideal focusing wavefront. This metalens with its ability to expand the array size has the potential to create a compact infrared imager, which holds significant importance in achieving efficient detection and integration within infrared detectors.