Reconfigurable Metasurface with Reflective and Transmissive Polarization Conversion Capabilities Based on Vanadium Dioxide

This study proposes a reconfigurable metasurface based on the phase-changing characteristics of vanadium dioxide (VO2), enabling dynamic switching between reflective and transmissive polarization conversions by tuning VO2 conductivity. The unit cell comprises Au-VO2 alternating gratings (AVAG), a silicon dioxide (SiO2) dielectric layer, and four inverted “L”-shaped metallic structures (FILS). In the metallic state, VO2 enables broadband reflective polarization conversion with a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) above 90% in 7.24-11.12 THz and 13.13-13.96 THz. In the insulating state, the metasurface switches to transmissive polarization conversion, maintaining a PCR above 90% over 4.00-11.62 THz and 11.87-17.85 THz. Surface-current analysis shows that both conversion mechanisms arise from electric-magnetic dipole interactions. This multifunctional metasurface shows potential for communication systems, radar and stealth technologies, and imaging applications.