Toward Sub-Terahertz: Space-Time Coding Metasurface Transmitter for Wideband Wireless Communications

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Wireless Communication

Background:

• Next-generation wireless systems require novel architectures for higher data rates and efficiency.
• Sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequencies offer vast bandwidth but face challenges in signal control and transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a programmable space-time coding metasurface (STCM) for sub-THz wireless communication.
• To enable flexible control over electromagnetic waves in both spatial and temporal domains.

Main Methods:

• Design of a varactor-diode-tuned STCM for precise amplitude and phase regulation.
• Utilizing time delay and duty cycle adjustments of modulation signals for EM control.
• Implementation of STCM as a transmitter in a sub-THz wireless communication link.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated support for multiple modulation schemes (FSK, PSK, QAM) across a wide frequency band.
• Achieved wide-angle beam scanning capabilities (±45°), enabling user tracking.
• STCM transmitter exhibits high device density, low power consumption, and low heat generation.

Conclusions:

• The STCM provides a low-complexity, low-cost solution for next-generation wireless communication systems.
• This technology is suitable for sub-THz and potentially THz frequency bands.
• Enables flexible beam manipulation and information modulation for enhanced wireless links.