3D-Printed Conformal Meta-Lens with Multiple Beam-Shaping Functionalities for Mm-Wave Sensing Applications

Area of Science:

• Metamaterials and Optics
• Electromagnetics
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Metasurfaces offer advanced control over electromagnetic waves.
• 3D printing enables complex meta-structure fabrication.
• Beam manipulation is crucial for modern wireless systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a 3D conformal meta-lens for electromagnetic beam manipulation.
• To demonstrate height-to-phase control for full 360° phase compensation.
• To validate the meta-lens design through simulation and 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Design of a 40 × 20 array of tunable unit cells.
• Utilizing an automatic synthesizing method (ASM) with genetic algorithm (GA) optimization.
• Simulations using CST Microwave Studio and MATLAB for beam deflection analysis.
• Fabrication and measurement of a 3D-printed prototype.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated beam deflection capabilities via adjusted phase compensations.
• Successfully generated single-beam, dual-beam, and orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams.
• Achieved beam deflection at various angles (0° to 45°).
• Experimental validation showed good agreement with simulations.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D meta-lens effectively manipulates electromagnetic beams.
• The meta-lens shows potential for low-cost, high-gain beam deflection in mm-wave systems.
• Promising applications in sensing and enhanced 2D beam scanning are highlighted.