Multi-foci metalens for spectra and polarization ellipticity recognition and reconstruction

Multispectral and polarized focusing and imaging are key functions that are vitally important for a broad range of optical applications. Conventional techniques generally require multiple shots to unveil desired optical information and are implemented via bulky multi-pass systems or mechanically moving parts that are difficult to integrate into compact and integrated optical systems. Here, a design of ultra-compact transversely dispersive metalens capable of both spectrum and polarization ellipticity recognition and reconstruction in just a single shot is demonstrated with both coherent and incoherent light. Our design is well suited for integrated and high-speed optical information analysis and can significantly reduce the size and weight of conventional devices while simplifying the process of collecting optical information, thereby promising for various applications, including machine vision, minimized spectrometers, material characterization, remote sensing, and other areas which require comprehensive optical analysis.