For a conventional cascaded metasurface, the combination channel and each single channel are mutually dependent because the phase modulation of a cascaded metasurface is the sum of each single one. Here we propose a cascaded metasurface that can independently encode information into multiple channels. Based on the orientation degeneracy of anisotropic metasurfaces, each single metasurface can produce a quick-response (QR) image in the near field, governed by the Malus law, while the combined channel can produce a holographic image in the far field, governed by geometric phase. The independent and physically separated trichannel design makes information encryption safer.

We explore a hexagonal cavity that supports chiral topological whispering gallery (CTWG) modes, which are formed by a gyromagnetic photonic crystal. This mode represents a unique type of topologically protected state, displaying chirality in its propagation within photonic crystals. Finite element method simulations demonstrate the presence of discrete edge states within the topological band gap, arising from the coupling of chiral edge states and whispering gallery modes. Since the cavity exclusively supports edge state modes with group velocity in one direction, it can generate purely traveling modes and remains immune to interference modes. Furthermore, we introduced defects and disorder to assess the cavity's robustness, showcasing the effective maintenance of CTWG modes under various perturbations. Our topological cavity platform offers useful prototype of robust topological photonic devices. The existence of this mode can have important implications for applications such as topological traveling wave devices and efficient optical couplers.

Plasmonic chirality, which has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its ability to generate strong near-field enhancement and giant circular dichroism (CD). Currently, various theories have been proposed to explain plasmonic extrinsic chirality, however, a comprehensively quantitative explanation for the high-order optical response of extrinsic metamolecule has yet to be established. Herein, we present a concise and quantitative explanation of the giant high-order extrinsic CD of a plasmonic nanocrescent, which origins from multipole decomposition in combination with the optical theorem. Our findings indicate that the high-order resonance modes exhibit giant CD comparable to dipolar modes and can be conveniently applied to the chiral recognition of metamolecules. Furthermore, the nonradiative electric quadrupole resonance exhibits enormous electric field enhancement near metamolecule, which has great application potential in the fields of molecular recognition and sensing in the visible region.

Optical tweezers are a crucial tool for manipulating nanoscale objects, and have a wide range of applications in various fields. Bowtie-nanohole tweezers, a type of near-field optical tweezers, are particularly intriguing due to their strong near-field enhancement and unique characteristics. In this paper we provide a detailed discussion of the properties of bowtie-nanohole tweezers on trapping and sorting nanoparticles through theoretical and numerical results. It is discovered that the tweezers behave differently when trapping particles with varying refractive indices, leading to a discussion of sorting chiral particles. Moreover, the relative refractive index between the particles and the background solution greatly influences the trapping and sorting abilities of the tweezers. Finally, we investigate the performance of the tweezers at different wavelengths of incident light to determine the optimal working wavelength for trapping or sorting.

Plasmon chirality has garnered significant interest in sensing application due to its strong electromagnetic field localization and highly tunable optical properties. Understanding the effects of mode coupling in chiral structures on chiral optical activity is particularly important for advancing this field. In this work, we numerically investigate the circular dichroism (CD) of elliptical nanodisk dimers arranged in an up-and-down configuration with a specific rotation angle. By adjusting the inter-particle distance and geometric parameters, we introduce the coupling between dipole and electric hexapole modes, forming an extended Born–Kuhn model that achieves strong CD. Our findings show that the coupling of dipole modes with electric hexapole modes in elliptical nanodisks can also show obvious Fano resonance and a strong CD effect, and the structure with the largest Fano asymmetry factor shows the highest CD. In addition, CD spectroscopy is highly sensitive to changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium, especially in the visible and near-infrared regions, highlighting its potential for application in high-sensitivity refractive index sensors.