Multifunctional manipulations of full-space terahertz beams based on liquid-crystal-integrated multi-bit programmable metasurface

Dynamic programmable metasurface (PMS) with multifunctionality has attracted attention due to its flexible abilities in manipulating terahertz (THz) beams. However, real-time control of full-space THz beams by metasurfaces still faces several technical challenges. In this study, we present a multi-bit liquid-crystal (LC) -integrated PMS that enables multifunctional manipulation of full-space THz beams. The proposed PMS is characterized by an achievable 3-bit working state and a near 315° maximum phase shift can be achieved in the range of 0.4–0.44 THz (transmission mode) and 0.7–0.72 THz (reflection mode). Metasurfaces can manipulate the transmissive and reflective beams by dynamically switching array encoding, allowing for multifunctional manipulation of full-space THz beams. To better demonstrate the advantages of multifunctional integration of the device, various functions are realized by dynamically manipulating the coding pattern of the PMS, including beam steering, orbital angular momentum (OAM), and holography. This work is expected to advance the application of PMS in full-space THz beam manipulation devices.