Waveform-dependent absorbing metasurfaces

TL;DR

This paper introduces a waveform-dependent nonlinear metasurface capable of selectively absorbing high-power pulsed signals while allowing small signals to pass, enabling new microwave applications.

Contribution

It presents the first waveform-dependent absorbing metasurface that distinguishes pulse signals from continuous waves at the same frequency.

Findings

Capable of dissipating high-power pulse energy between pulses

Absorbing performance varies with waveform, not continuous waves

Enables signal type differentiation at the same frequency

Abstract

We present the first use of a waveform-dependent absorbing metasurface for high-power pulsed surface currents. The new type of nonlinear metasurface, composed of circuit elements including diodes, is capable of storing high power pulse energy to dissipate it between pulses, while allowing propagation of small signals. Interestingly, the absorbing performance varies for high power pulses but not for high power continuous waves (CWs), since the capacitors used are fully charged up. Thus, the waveform dependence enables us to distinguish various signal types (i.e. CW or pulse) even at the same frequency, which potentially creates new kinds of microwave technologies and applications.