Polarization Modulation for Wireless Communications Based on Metasurfaces

As an alternative to conventional wireless communication techniques that use amplitude, frequency, and phase modulations, polarization modulation (PoM) provides an additional degree of freedom for the modulation of carrier waves and allows the realization of simple transceiver designs. PoM also enhances physical-layer security in wireless communication systems owing to its vector-attribute and direction-dependence features. In this study, a prototype of PoM wireless communications based on a digital coding metasurface that can dynamically control the polarization of electromagnetic waves in a certain frequency band is demonstrated. The binary digital signals can be encoded on the optical rotation states of the circularly polarized beams through the real-time control of the bias voltages applied on the metasurface and successfully decoded at the receiving end. Because the metasurface is separated from the emitting antenna, the design can simplify the setup for multichannel communications and provide more flexibility by setting the emitting antennas at different operating frequencies at any time.

Automated summary

Polarization modulation (PoM) offers additional freedom for carrier wave modulation and enhances physical-layer security in wireless communication. A prototype of PoM wireless communications based on a digital coding metasurface has been demonstrated, showing potential for simplified multichannel communications and increased flexibility in antenna operation.