High efficiency large-angle polarization-insensitive retroreflecting metasurface for magneto-optical traps

Three-dimensional magneto-optical traps (3D-MOTs) are an integral component of atomic clocks, quantum computers, and other cold-atom science applications. Due to the dependence on bulk optics and lasers, conventional 3D-MOTs occupy a large volume, limiting their portability. Efforts to build 3D-MOTs using integrated photonics promise to reduce the size and weight of these systems allowing applications beyond the lab. However, the need for counterpropagating beams to facilitate 4- and 6-beam geometries necessitates free-space mirrors and quarter wave plates (QWPs) that limit integration. Replacing these mirrors and QWPs with planar retroreflecting metasurfaces provides a route to achieving a complete 3D-MOT within an integrated package. Here, we report on the design and demonstration of a retroreflecting metasurface for 3D-MOTs that operates at large angles and preserves circular polarization. Specifically, we utilize Bayesian optimization to design an amorphous silicon (a-Si) on gold metasurface for high efficiency polarization-insensitive retroreflection of 780 nm circularly polarized light at 54.7°. Numerical simulations demonstrate maintenance of circular polarization after highly efficient retroreflection (ϵ−1=1.10, R−1=0.86). Experimentally, we demonstrate similarly excellent performance at 736 nm at 50.3° (ϵ−1=1.04, R−1=0.73) and show that deviation from the target design is due to oxidation of the a-Si metaelements. We conclude by discussing mitigation strategies for future devices and propose a corrective optic for the currently fabricated device. This work represents a step toward the miniaturization of 3D-MOTs and expansion of cold-atom science beyond the laboratory.