Structural Morphing Metasurface for Electromagnetic Beam Manipulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mechanically morphing 3D metasurface that actively manipulates electromagnetic beams for RF sensing and communication, enabling beam steering and shaping with low-power control.

Contribution

It proposes a novel structurally morphing metasurface design that can be dynamically controlled to perform beamforming and contour shaping for advanced RF applications.

Findings

Simulated metasurfaces demonstrate effective beam-steering capabilities.

The design allows for low-power mechanical deformation to control electromagnetic wave propagation.

Potential applications include satellite communication and RF sensing.

Abstract

The paper presents a novel concept of a 3D structural metasurface with mechanically morphing capability that can be used as a transmit- or reflect-array to manipulate electromagnetic beams for applications in RF sensing and communications for both space and ground stations. They can be controlled using low-power actuators to deform the surface profile which is then utilised as a lens or a reflector for beamforming and steering. The proposed simulated structural metasurfaces can be used for either beam-steering or to generate bespoke contour beams for satellite communication and sensing.