Transverse spin angular momentum is an inherent feature of evanescent waves which may have applications in nanoscale optomechanics, spintronics, and quantum information technology due to the robust spin-directional coupling. Here we analyze local spin angular momentum density of hybrid surface waves propagating along anisotropic hyperbolic metasurfaces. We reveal that, in contrast to bulk plane waves and conventional surface plasmons at isotropic interfaces, the spin of the hybrid surface waves can be engineered to have an arbitrary angle with the propagation direction. This property allows us to tailor directivity of surface waves via the magnetic control of the spin projection of quantum emitters, and it can be useful for optically controlled spin transfer.

• Received 24 May 2016
• Revised 14 August 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.94.075446