Refractive index profile

Gradient-index optics

Numerical aperture

Materials science

Refractive index

Aperture (computer memory)

Telecommunications

Computer science

Acoustics

Wavelength

X-ray optics

Physics

Lens (geology)

Optics

Ranging

X-ray

Diffraction

Focal length

Applied Optics

Sub-wavelength diffractive optics, commonly known as metasurfaces, have recently garnered significant attention for their ability to create ultra-thin flat lenses with extremely short focal lengths. Several materials with different refractive indices have been used to create metasurface lenses (metalenses). In this paper, we analyze the role of material refractive indices on the performance of these metalenses. We employ both forward and inverse design methodologies to perform our analysis. We found that, while high refractive index materials allow for extreme reduction of the focal length, for moderate focal lengths and numerical aperture (<0.6), there is no appreciable difference in focal spot-size and focusing efficiency for metalenses made of different materials with refractive indices ranging between n= 1.25 to n=3.5.

Role of refractive index in metalens performance