Independent polarization and phase control in liquid crystal programmable THz metasurfaces

Polarization control is fundamental to the development of terahertz (THz) technologies, with wide-ranging implications for sensing, communication, and secure information systems. However, the dynamic-generation of vector beams via pixel-level polarization modulation in planar devices remains elusive. Here, we report a programmable THz metasurface comprising electrically addressable pixels, each acting as a tunable polarization converter. We experimentally demonstrate an 8×8 array capable of generating arbitrary, spatially varying polarization states. The metasurface also supports predesigned pixel-level phase profiles without compromising dynamic polarization control. This approach establishes a flexible platform for next-generation THz systems, with potential applications in polarization-sensitive imaging, high-capacity communication, and stealth technologies.