Terahertz Digital Reconfigurable Metamaterial Array for Dynamic Beamforming Applications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a digital reconfigurable terahertz metamaterial array capable of dynamic beam steering from -138 to +138 degrees, enhancing industrial and satellite communication applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel 2-bit metamaterial design with a substrate integrated feeding system enabling wide-angle beam steering and multi-beam modes at 0.7 THz.

Findings

Achieves beam steering from -138° to +138°

Supports single, dual, and multibeam modes

Demonstrates potential for industrial and satellite use

Abstract

A novel digital reconfigurable 2_bit metamaterial, equipped with a substrate integrated feeding system, is designed for industrial quality control applications within the terahertz frequency range. The proposed feeding mechanism facilitates azimuthal beam steering, spanning from negative 90 degree to positive 90 degree, thereby enabling the reconfiguration of beam patterns within the digital metamaterial. Utilizing the phase distribution concept and comprehensive analysis of coupling and the e_field effect on individual unit cells, the metamaterial array spacing is meticulously designed. Operational at 0.7 THz, the system offers versatile reconfigurability, supporting single, dual, and multibeam modes. Through meticulous optimization, the system demonstrates an impressive negative 138 degree to positive 138 degree beam steering capability. This dynamic beamforming ability, transitioning seamlessly from a singular beam to multibeam configurations, requires minimal software-hardware integration for scanning and inter_satellite links, thus presenting significant potential for enhancing product quality within industrial environments and satellite communication.