A Multi-Functional Reconfigurable Metasurface: Electromagnetic Design Accounting for Fabrication Aspects

In this article, we present the theoretical considerations and the design evolution of a proof-of-concept reconfigurable metasurface, primarily used as a tunable microwave absorber, but also as a wavefront manipulation and polarization conversion device in reflection. We outline the design evolution and all considerations taken into account, from the selection of patch shape, unit cell size, and substrate to the topology of the structure that realizes the desired tunability. The presented design conforms to fabrication restrictions and is codesigned to work with an integrated circuit (IC) chip for providing tunable complex loads to the metasurface, using a commercially available semiconductor process. The proposed structure can perform multiple tunable functionalities by appropriately biasing the IC. Perfect absorption for a wide range of incidence angles of both linear polarization states, accommodating a spectral range in the vicinity of 5 GHz, with potential also for wavefront control, exemplified via anomalous reflection and polarization conversion. The end vision is for such a design to be scalable and deployable as a practical HyperSurface, i.e., an intelligent multifunctional metasurface capable of concurrent reconfigurable functionalities: absorption, beam steering, polarization conversion, wavefront shaping, holography, and sensing.