An ultra-compact metasurface-based chromatic confocal sensor
Justin Ho-Tin Chan, Dawei Tang, James Williamson, Haydn Martin, Andrew Henning, Xiangqian Jiang
Abstract
Metasurfaces are planar optical elements that provide much greater freedom in manipulating light than conventional optics. This article explores the potential for miniaturised metasurface-based optical sensors. We consider the realisation of a chromatic confocal sensor for position measurement, where a conventional hyperchromatic lens is replaced by a metasurface. The design and fabrication process for a metasurface based on truncated-waveguide type meta-atoms is described. Experimental evaluation of the sensor performance confirms the potential for metasurface-based optical sensors to form the basis of a new generation of miniature, lightweight, low-cost optical sensors to support the data-driven manufacturing technologies of the future.