Multilayer-laminated optically transparent 300-GHz-band transmissive beamforming metasurface for wireless...

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Metamaterials
• Terahertz Technology
• Wireless Communication Systems

Background:

• Metasurfaces offer advanced control over electromagnetic waves.
• Terahertz (THz) frequencies are crucial for next-generation wireless systems like 6G.
• Efficient beamforming is essential for directional communication in THz bands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate a transmission-type multilayer metasurface beamformer operating in the 300-GHz band.
• To achieve continuous phase variation for beam steering using a Jerusalem cross geometry.
• To validate the performance of the fabricated beamformer against simulations.

Main Methods:

• Design of a metamaterial unit cell with 2π phase shift capability.
• Fabrication of a reference device and three beamforming metasurfaces.
• Experimental evaluation of beam steering angles and broadband operation (280-320 GHz).

Main Results:

• Achieved beam steering angles of 18°, 30°, and 38°, closely matching simulation results.
• Demonstrated broadband operation across a 40 GHz bandwidth with minimal frequency dependence on steering angles.
• Validated the Jerusalem cross geometry for effective metasurface beamformer design.

Conclusions:

• The developed metasurface beamformer shows significant potential for THz applications.
• The design and fabrication methodology are adaptable for various metasurface devices.
• This work contributes to the advancement of components for future 6G wireless networks.