Reconfigurable 3D structure for the manipulation of electromagnetic waves

The control and manipulation of electromagnetic waves allow us to make intelligent modifications of the communication environment. Until now, none of the existing structures allow the reconfiguration and redirection of the electromagnetic wave and the absorption of power. The present invention proposes a reconfigurable 3D structure capable of modifying the electromagnetic waves depending on the needs of the application.

In a simplified way, it is a panel made up of a multitude of cells made of conductive material, which can have different shapes and types, and thus working in several different frequency ranges. Each cell acts as a small antenna whose characteristics can be dynamically and automatically modified (absorption, directing, division and concentration or focusing of electromagnetic waves). To do this, the walls have slots and embeddings of electronically reconfigurable material, such as graphene or liquid crystal, which, by applying a voltage difference, change the properties of the material. In this way, by artificially varying the geometry of the slots, the behavior of the reflected waves is modified.

This system has multiple applications such as electromagnetic invisibility against radars, satellite systems, measurement devices in chambers, imaging systems through radiofrequency and new generation wireless communication systems.

ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

• Simultaneous and independent control of the polarizations received.Thanks to its three-dimensional geometry, the control of incident electromagnetic polarizations can be controlled completely independently.
• Versatile system. It allows selective manipulation of waves, thus offering more functionalities than existing structures:
  • Absorb power.
  • Redirect the wave towards the desired direction/s.
  • Shape the radiation beam and form patterns.
• Functional in a wide range of frequencies. From Gigahertz to Terahertz, this structure allows the manipulation of waves even at the highest frequencies, thus covering 5G systems and future 6G and subsequent systems, which are currently difficult to manipulate.
• Self-configurable and dynamic. Thanks to information from the system or from the environment through sensors, it can be configured remotely and/or automatically according to needs in real time.
• Supports supplemental elements such as metasurfaces, lenses, reflectors, or mirrors to, for example, increase bandwidth or expand the range of radiated addresses.
• Greater performance than existing surfaces,providing more quality and consistency in wave manipulation as well as the possibility of manufacturing with 3D printing.

Current development status

Experimental technologies

Applications

• Provide electromagnetic invisibility against radars.
• Satellite systems, used as a sub-reflector or intelligent reflector.
• Measurement devices in chambers, such as anechoic chambers such as CATR (Compact Antenna Test Range).
• Imaging systems through radiofrequency.
• New generation wireless communication systems.

Desired business relationship

Patent licensing