Spatial-Division-Assisted Multi-Level Amplitude-Programmable Metasurface for Dual-Band Direct Wireless Communication

With the rapid development of electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation technique, programmable metasurfaces with real-time EM responses (e.g., phase, amplitude) have emerged as a new type of wireless communication transmitter, which has the advantages of simple architecture and low cost. Here, it has been proposed a design strategy of dual-band wireless communication system based on a spatial-division-assisted multi-level amplitude-programmable metasurface. The carrier frequency and modulation scheme of each physical channel can be independently designed by changing the external bias voltages and the spatial-coding sequences applied onto the metasurface. As the proof-of-concept, experiments are conducted to prove the feasibility of the system in sub 6G communication band. Two pictures are successfully transmitted via high and low-frequency channels using binary amplitude-shift keying and 4 amplitude-shift keying modulation schemes, respectively.

Automated summary

With the rapid development of electromagnetic wave manipulation technique, programmable metasurfaces have emerged as a new type of wireless communication transmitter, offering the advantages of simple architecture and low cost. This study proposes a design strategy for a dual-band wireless communication system based on a spatial-division-assisted multi-level amplitude-programmable metasurface. The system allows for independent design of carrier frequency and modulation scheme for each physical channel, achieved by adjusting external bias voltages and applying spatial-coding sequences onto the metasurface. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the system in the sub 6G communication band, successfully transmitting two pictures using different modulation schemes.