2026/05/26 by Juan-Feng Zhu, Fei Chen, Jun-Xuan Chen +9 · 1 voice
Physics and Astronomy · #physics.optics #physics.app-ph
arxiv published 2026/05/26 · arxiv updated 2026/05/27
The Smith-Purcell effect arises when charged particles move near a periodic structure, emitting radiation. Conventional approaches for generating chiral Smith-Purcell radiation rely on metasurface phase engineering or resonant mode interference, typically producing narrow-band, weakly chiral emission. Here, we introduce a resonance-interference-free mechanism that leverages the properties of the charged particles themselves. Using a non-chiral, non-resonant silicon grating, we demonstrate broadband, tunable Smith-Purcell radiation with high chirality, achieving a record-high degree of polarization of 0.87. This is enabled by converting the transverse spin angular momentum of electron-induced evanescent waves into a longitudinal form, producing opposite chirality at different azimuthal angles. Beam twisting or displacement offers precise control over chirality, paving the way for compact chiral light sources, advanced X-ray imaging, and integrated particle diagnostics platforms.