Single-layer chiral metasurface for circularly polarized light detection

• The proposed single-layer chiral metasurface achieves a high circular polarization extinction ratio, overcoming the traditional trade-off between structural complexity and performance. • It directly converts circularly polarized incident light into linearly polarized light, enabling efficient and compact circular polarization detection. • The operating wavelength is tunable by adjusting geometric parameters, offering design flexibility for different applications. • Experimental demonstrations confirm strong circular dichroism with a simplified fabrication process compared to multi-layer or 3D chiral metasurfaces.