Liquid crystal-filled meta-pixel with switchable asymmetric reflectance and transmittance

We fabricated and characterized a meta-pixel - metamaterial-based active optical device incorporating a twisted nematic liquid crystal cell. The meta-pixel exhibits directionally asymmetric transmittance and reflectance, which can be controlled electrically by realigning the liquid crystal. Apart from defining the optical response of the meta-pixel, the metamaterial also plays a vital role in implementing electrical control and alignment of the liquid crystal. Such a meta-pixel can find applications in a new generation of miniature displays, compact tunable optical filters and modulators.