Metamaterial quarter-wave plate UV transmission grating for high-energy laser beams

We investigate the feasibility of a full-silica transmission metasurface exhibiting optical properties equivalent to a quarter-wave plate at the wavelength of 351 nm as an alternative to anisotropic crystals. We report the design, manufacturing process and optical characterization of full-silica quarter waveplates. We evidence the possibility to obtain a full-silica component exhibiting at 351 nm a high damage threshold and a phase retardance of λ/4 associated with a transmission efficiency higher than 95%. Such an optical component could offer a great alternative to birefringent materials for the manipulation of polarization of high-energy laser beams.