Ge2Sb2Te5-based efficient switching between a cross-polarization conversion and a circular-to-linear polarization conversion

The terahertz (THz) band has a great potential for the development of communication technology, but it has not been fully utilized due to the lack of practical devices, especially actively controllable multifunctional devices. Here, we propose and demonstrate a Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST)-based metamaterial device, where an actively controllable function is experimentally verified by inducing the crystallization process with thermal activation. Cross-polarization conversion in the reflection mode and circular-to-linear polarization conversion in the transmission mode are obtained under crystalline and amorphous GST conditions, respectively. The combination of GST and THz waves has a wide range of applications and will further advance the THz field.