New chip uses quantum effects to control light beams dynamically

Shuang Zheng and colleagues have created the first fully tunable on-chip meta-generator capable of dynamically mapping arbitrary light states across multiple Poincaré spheres, extending to a four-dimensional Hilbert space. The device, built on an eight-channel space-multiplexed silicon photonic integrated circuit, densely integrates components for precise control of structured light. This work overcomes limitations of bulky free-space optics, enabling compact and programmable manipulation of light for applications like optical communications and quantum photonics. This research represents a significant step toward reconfigurable on-chip manipulation of multidimensional Poincaré spheres. An eight-channel space-multiplexed silicon photonic integrated circuit now allows for the dynamic mapping of light across multiple Poincaré spheres, a feat previously hindered by the size and inflexibility of free-space optics. This device overcomes limitations of…