Programmable time-domain digital-coding metasurface for non-linear harmonic manipulation and new wireless communication systems. Issue 2 (15th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Jie; Yang, Xi; Dai, Jun Yan; Cheng, Qiang; Li, Xiang; Qi, Ning Hua; Ke, Jun Chen; Bai, Guo Dong; Liu, Shuo; Jin, Shi; Alù, Andrea; Cui, Tie Jun
• Is Part Of: National science review. Volume 6:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2018-11-15
• Subjects: metasurface -- time-domain digital coding -- non-linear harmonics control -- new architecture of communication; Science -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwy135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2095-5138

Abstract

Abstract: Optical non-linear phenomena are typically observed in natural materials interacting with light at high intensities, and they benefit a diverse range of applications from communication to sensing. However, controlling harmonic conversion with high efficiency and flexibility remains a major issue in modern optical and radio-frequency systems. Here, we introduce a dynamic time-domain digital-coding metasurface that enables efficient manipulation of spectral harmonic distribution. By dynamically modulating the local phase of the surface reflectivity, we achieve accurate control of different harmonics in a highly programmable and dynamic fashion, enabling unusual responses, such as velocity illusion. As a relevant application, we propose and realize a novel architecture for wireless communication systems based on the time-domain digital-coding metasurface, which largely simplifies the architecture of modern communication systems, at the same time yielding excellent performance for real-time signal transmission. The presented work, from new concept to new system, opens new pathways in the application of metamaterials to practical technology.