Polarization multiplexed multifunctional metasurface for generating longitudinally evolving vector vortex beams

•We propose a novel methodology to design polarized multiplexing multifunctional metasurfaces.•This approach integrates multiple vortex modes into a single-layer metasurface.•The generated vortex beams have the characteristics of longitudinal evolution in three polarization channels.•This approach provides a new option for the research of integrated optics. Vector vortex beams with special irregular spatial polarized distribution have attracted considerable research attention. Here, we demonstrate a new methodology to design multifunctional metasurfaces with capabilities of generating different vector vortex beams in orthogonally polarized channels. The metasurfaces are designed by using polarization and spatial multiplexing. We craft three metasurfaces that generating vector vortex beams with properties of evolving longitudinally under left circularly polarized incidence. When right circularly polarized incidence, the metasurfaces generate the switches of multiple vortex modes with special evolution laws. The proposed design methodology provides convenience and versatility to polarization multiplexing functional metasurfaces, which offers a robust foundation for advancing research in optical metasurfaces and vector vortex beams.