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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
13:44
Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
Smartwatch low-SAR approach based on antenna integrated with metamaterial protection layer
Wen-Ying Zhou1,2,3, Wen-Qi Hou1, Ming-Fei Luo1
1Key Laboratory of Opto-Electronic Technology and Intelligent Control of Ministry of Education, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou, China.
Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine
|June 28, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a metamaterial layer for smartwatch antennas to reduce performance loss due to the arm effect and minimize radiation exposure. The innovative design enhances antenna performance while ensuring safety compliance with international guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetic Engineering
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Smartwatch antenna design faces challenges with arm effect interference and human electromagnetic exposure, particularly for children.
- Existing designs struggle to balance communication performance with radiation safety standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel smartwatch antenna incorporating a metamaterial protection layer.
- To address both performance degradation from the arm effect and reduce specific absorption rate (SAR) values.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a smartwatch antenna integrated with a metamaterial layer.
- Simulation of electromagnetic exposure (SAR) and measurement of antenna performance (reflection coefficient, bandwidth, gain).
- Testing on adult and child arm models to assess real-world performance and safety.
Main Results:
- The metamaterial layer effectively mitigated frequency shifts and improved antenna bandwidth by 8.8% and gain by 7.8%.
- Peak SAR values in adult and child arms decreased by up to 14% and 6%, respectively.
- Results confirmed adherence to International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) safety guidelines.
Conclusions:
- The proposed metamaterial layer offers a dual benefit: enhancing smartwatch antenna radiation performance and reducing absorbed radiation dose.
- This technology presents a practical solution for electromagnetic radiation protection in wearable devices.
