Programmable Metasurfaces: State of the Art and Prospects

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in programmable metasurfaces, which are ultrathin electromagnetic devices with tunable properties enabling diverse functionalities across electromagnetic spectrum.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of different approaches to realize tunable programmable metasurfaces, from global to local and software-defined methods.

Findings

Summarizes recent progress in programmable metasurfaces.

Discusses various approaches for tunability and control.

Highlights potential applications and future prospects.

Abstract

Metasurfaces, ultrathin and planar electromagnetic devices with sub-wavelength unit cells, have recently attracted enormous attention for their powerful control over electromagnetic waves, from microwave to visible range. With tunability added to the unit cells, the programmable metasurfaces enable us to benefit from multiple unique functionalities controlled by external stimuli. In this review paper, we will discuss the recent progress in the field of programmable metasurfaces and elaborate on different approaches to realize them, with the tunability from global aspects, to local aspects, and to software-defined metasurfaces.