High-accuracy and broadband polarization detection via metasurface vector beam modulation

Polarization detection is essential for various applications, ranging from biological diagnostics to quantum optics. Although various metasurface-based polarimeters have emerged, these platforms are commonly realized through spatial-division designs, which restrict detection accuracy due to inherent factors such as crosstalk. Here, we propose, to our knowledge, a novel strategy for high-accuracy, broadband full-Stokes polarization detection based on the analysis of a single vector beam, whose polarization profile varies sensitively and exhibits a one-to-one correspondence with the incident polarization. Based on this, the incident polarization is completely encoded into the field profile of the vector beam, which avoids crosstalk in principle, and results in high-accuracy polarization detection without any calibration process. As a proof of concept, a geometric-phase metasurface-based grafted perfect vector vortex beam (GPVVB) generator was designed and fabricated. Experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves polarization detection with an average relative error of 2.25%. Benefiting from the broadband high transmittance exceeding 95% of the metasurface due to the femtosecond laser-induced birefringence process, our method operates across a wavelength range of 450–1100 nm. Furthermore, the detection capability of the vector beam polarization profile was validated using a GPVVB-generating array. These results highlight the potential of our approach for transformative applications in polarization detection, including optical communication and machine vision.