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a, b Photographs and schematic diagram of the measurement setup for radiation pattern measurement of UMA. c Dual channel wireless communication link testbed. UMA directly and simultaneously generates two independent modulated waveforms carrying different information. Two horn antennas connected to two vector signal analyzers (VSAs) are used to receive and demodulate the signals. DUT device under test, VNA vector network analyzer, Rx receiver, Sig. generator signal generator. credit: nature communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40717-9
A research team led by Professor Chan Chee-hou, Chair of the Department of Electronic Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU), has made an unprecedented advance in antenna technology by enabling the manipulation of all five fundamental properties of electromagnetic waves through software control. Achieved.
The team has developed the world’s first universal metasurface antenna that can independently and simultaneously manipulate the amplitude, phase, frequency, polarization, and direction of electromagnetic radiation.
“A universal component that can manipulate all fundamental properties is the holy grail for physicists and engineers,” said Professor Chan, who is also director of the State Key Laboratory for Terahertz and Millimeter Waves (SKLTMW).
As research on 6G wireless communication systems progresses around the world, universal metasurface antennas have immense potential for various applications in 6G systems. Advanced waveform manipulation capabilities and enhanced security features are essential for integrating sensing and communications.
Universal metasurface antennas can be used for next generation high-capacity, high-security information systems, real-time imaging, and wireless power transfer. The antenna’s inherent directional modulation properties also enhance privacy and security, making it an ideal candidate for anti-eavesdropping communications.
The paper, titled “A universal metasurface antenna that manipulates all fundamental properties of electromagnetic waves,” was published online. nature communications.
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Professor Chan Chi-hou (left) and Professor Wu Gengbo (right) display the universal metasurface antenna developed at CityU that enables unprecedented manipulation of electromagnetic waves.Credit: City University of Hong Kong
Professor Wu Gengbo from the Department of Electrical Engineering, a member of SKLTMW, explained that universal metasurface antennas can manipulate information by directly generating modulated waveforms in free space.
“We expect the universal metasurface antenna to serve as a simplified information transmitter with low cost, high integration, and low power consumption,” said Professor Wu, lead author of the paper.
Dr. Dai Junyan, a former postdoctoral fellow at SKLTMW, is co-lead author of this paper. Academics Cui Tiekun and Professor Chen Qiang from Southeast University in Nanjing, China, as well as Dr Dai and Professor Zhang are corresponding authors. Dr. Keeson Shum Kam-man and Dr. Chan Ka-fai are senior engineers at SKLTMW.
This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between CityU and Southeast University. Professor Chan emphasized that the partnership between the two institutions is essential to tackling complex research challenges and achieving breakthrough results.
“The joint expertise and resources of both universities led to the successful development of a universal metasurface antenna, bringing together diverse perspectives and knowledge,” Professor Chan said.
Professor Chan said the invention introduces new capabilities that integrate sensing and communications, paving the way for exciting future possibilities.
For more information:
Geng-Bo Wu et al., Universal Metasurface Antenna Manipulating All Fundamental Properties of Electromagnetic Waves; nature communications (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40717-9
Magazine information:
nature communications
