Tunable polarization-induced Fano resonances in stacked wire-grid metasurfaces

Stacked metasurfaces are being investigated in light of exploring exotic optical effects that cannot be achieved with single-layered metasurfaces. In this article, we theoretically demonstrate that metallic wire-grid metasurfaces with specific polarization properties have the ability to induce tunable Fano resonances when they are stacked. The developed original model-combining a circulating field approach together with an extended Jones formalism-reveals the underlying principle that gives rise to the polarization-induced Fano resonances. The theoretical frame is validated in an experimental proof of concept using commercially available wire-grids and a terahertz time domain spectrometer. This unexplored possibility opens an alternative path to the realization and control of Fano resonances by using stacked metallic metasurfaces. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the polarization can be used as an additional degree of freedom for the design of optical resonators with enhanced and tunable properties. Fano resonance is an important phenomenon for optical devices particularly for application in switching and sensing. Here, the authors demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that Fano resonances can be induced using the polarization dependent properties of stacked wire-grid metallic metasurfaces.