Reconfigurable metasurface with integrated signal readout mechanism

Abstract

The technology described herein is directed towards a reconfigurable intelligent surface design and implementation in which a small portion of the incoming signal energy of an impinging wave is coupled to a waveguide, with the majority of the signal reflected in a desired target direction. The sensed portion of the signal energy is used for evaluating the signal path in a current environment, including by assessing the phase and amplitude of the sampled signal at each unit cell, as well as their differential phase values between cells, e.g., selected consecutive cells. For example, differential phase values between cells can be used to accurately estimate the direction/location of the signal transmitter and/or the intended receiver(s). In one implementation, the captured energy is sensed in respective substrate integrated waveguides at the unit cell level, and output as respective signal readouts for determining different characteristics of the signal path.