Dual-Channel Optical-to-Microwave Links Based on Space-Polarization-Division Multiplexed Optoelectronic Metasurface

Abstract

Visible light communication offers distinctive advantages such as low cost, rich spectrum, high communication speed, and environmental protection. Hybrid communication technologies integrate the advantages of radio frequency (RF) communication and visible light communication, playing an essential role in multi-domain communication systems. However, the access of optical communication to the RF communication network in free space and cross-media transmission of optical communication remain challenges. To achieve efficient hybrid wireless communications, optical and microwave signal conversion in full space and cross-domain signal transmission is heavily requisite. Here, dual-channel optical-to-microwave links based on a space-polarization-division multiplexed optoelectronic metasurface are proposed and realized, which are realized by double-sided metasurface based on varactors and two rapid photoelectric conversion circuits integrated into each surface respectively. The dual-channel optical-to-microwave links can achieve direct conversions of light to microwave signals at different polarizations on two surfaces of the metasurface independently and simultaneously. To demonstrate the capability of the conversion links, a dual-channel hybrid transmission system is constructed and successfully operated. The dual-channel optical-to-microwave conversion links can provide interfaces for visible light communications and RF communications, as well as for multi-domain communication network interconnection.