Abstract

This article reviews the latest advances in the generation and control of perfect vector beams using metasurfaces. In recent years, metasurfaces have garnered increasing interest due to their simple fabrication and easy integration. Perfect vortex beams (PVBs), as a type of vector beams, exhibit complex polarization states that require the superposition of multiple phases for their generation.

The use of metasurfaces provides a compact platform for the generation of perfect vortex beams and enables more complex vortex beam control tasks, which are quite challenging for traditional optics. This paper begins by introducing the principle of perfect vortex beam generation using metasurfaces, followed by a discussion on the generation of complex perfect vortex beams, including multi-channel and grafted perfect vortex beams.

Subsequently, it explores the applications of perfect vortex beams in particle trapping and optical communication. Finally, the paper summarizes the key findings, highlights the limitations of metasurfaces in perfect vortex beam applications, and provides insights into potential future research directions and applications.