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Adaptively programmable metasurface for intelligent wireless communications in complex environments
Han Qing Yang1,2, Jun Yan Dai1,2, Hui Dong Li1,2
1Institute of Electromagnetic Space, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
Nature Communications
|July 2, 2025
Summary
This study introduces an adaptively programmable metasurface (APM) that senses and controls electromagnetic waves in real-time for wireless communications. APM enhances communication quality in complex environments without external input.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Electromagnetics
- Wireless Communications
Background:
- Programmable metasurfaces are key for next-generation wireless communications.
- Current metasurfaces require human control to adapt to electromagnetic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an adaptively programmable metasurface (APM) that integrates sensing and wave manipulation.
- To enable real-time, autonomous control of the electromagnetic environment.
Main Methods:
- An APM prototype was designed and constructed.
- The prototype's sensing and wave manipulation capabilities were experimentally validated.
- Integrated sensing and communication scenarios were tested with and without APM.
Main Results:
- The APM demonstrated dual capabilities of sensing wireless environments and manipulating electromagnetic waves.
- Experimental results confirmed APM's ability to enhance communication quality in complex settings.
- APM successfully operated without prior knowledge or external input.
Conclusions:
- The proposed APM offers autonomous, real-time adaptation of electromagnetic environments.
- APM shows significant potential for improving wireless communication systems.
- This technology eliminates the need for manual configuration of wireless environments.
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