Efficient synthesis of high-performance millimeter-wave metasurfaces

Fifth generation (5G) wireless networks have been introduced to enable significantly higher data rates and lower latency. Sixth generation (6G) wireless networks are also envisaged for even higher speed and capacity.

In the context of 5G and 6G communications, the operation of wireless networks is shifted toward higher frequencies, as are millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies.

Metasurfaces present an appealing technological solution to realize low cost functional components of simple fabrication, especially in mm-wave frequencies, where component dimensions greatly decrease.

Metasurfaces are the two-dimensional, planar extension of the well-established electromagnetic metamaterials and are capable of controlling and efficiently guiding propagating waves, by engineering the properties of individual subwavelength resonators.

Although, the most appealing properties of metasurfaces arise in non-uniform configurations, the analysis and synthesis of such non-uniform metasurfaces is extremely challenging, especially as the size and complexity increase.

Full-wave analysis of the entire structure, though highly accurate, it requires high computational resources and is extremely time-consuming. In some cases, it may even be inapplicable, due to the increased computational demand.

MILLISURF aims at developing a computationally-efficient and robust semi-analytical framework to facilitate the analysis and synthesis of high-performance metasurfaces, suitable for mm-wave communications, combined with novel and highly-accurate fabrication techniques. MILLISURF will contribute to the field of wireless communications by advancing the existing technological solutions.

The proposed research will be carried out at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Departments of Duke University, United States and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.