Fabrication-Friendly Random Meta-Atom Generation for Phase-Shifting Metasurfaces

Compared with traditional phase-shifting metasurface design methods, computer-aided optimization has attracted significant interest due to its advantages of high efficiency and a wide modulation range, resulting in the ability to generate various random-shaped meta-atoms to maximize their phase modulation capabilities. However, these meta-atoms often have sharp boundaries, chamfers, microscopic particles, and small holes, which are unsuitable for micro-/nano-fabrication. We propose a method to generate 2D meta-balls, which can generate random-shaped meta-atoms with smooth boundaries free of small particles or holes and suitable for micro-/nano-fabrication. This method can easily control the characteristics of generated shapes, such as boundary continuity and symmetry. It is simple, straightforward, and time-saving, and it helps in computer-aided optimization phase-shifting metasurfaces design.