Complex-amplitude modulation of surface waves based on a metasurface coupler.

Simultaneous and independent modulation of the amplitude and phase of surface waves (SWs) is critical in photonics and plasmonics. Here, we propose a method for flexible complex-amplitude modulation of SWs based on a metasurface coupler. Benefiting from the full range complex-amplitude modulation ability of the meta-atoms over the transmitted field, the coupler can convert the incident wave into a driven surface wave (DSW) with an arbitrary combination of amplitude and initial phase. By placing a dielectric waveguide that supports guided SWs below the coupler, the DSWs can resonantly couple to SWs while preserving complex-amplitude modulation. The proposed scheme provides a practical way for freely tailoring the phase and amplitude profiles of SWs wavefronts. As verification, meta-devices for normal and deflected SW Airy beam generation and SW dual focusing are designed and characterized in the microwave regime. Our findings may stimulate various advanced surface optical meta-devices.