Multi-functional metasurfaces for communication and sensing using time and space modulation – METATEMPO

The unprecedented growth in wireless traffic and the expected densification of next-generation networks call for disruptive approaches to reduce the number of radiofrequency (RF) systems and their power consumption. Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) offer an energy-efficient solution for spatial beam-forming, but they still require complex, full-duplex transceivers to achieve non-linear and non-reciprocal functions. Recently, space-time modulated metasurfaces (STMMs) have emerged as a possible enabler to overcome these fundamental limitations and realize a new generation of multifunctional antennas.
METATEMPO aims to advance the design and technological readiness of 2-D STMMs and evaluate their suitability for future terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. High-gain antenna systems in the near-mm-wave range (17-30 GHz) will be demonstrated, enabling programmable harmonic beam-forming with a single radiating aperture, while minimizing the complexity and power consumption of the transceivers. The pattern-shaping capabilities will be enhanced using 2-bit pin-diode-based cells and the joint optimization of space and time modulations. Decoupling of transmitting (TX) and receiving (RX) paths will be achieved through the non-reciprocity of the surface. Both space-fed and low-profile leaky-wave STMMs will be developed for wireless systems on fixed and moving platforms. METATEMPO aims to demonstrate the relevance of STMMs for emerging applications that require multi-beam joint communication and sensing in complex radio environments. The possibility to establish communication links and simultaneously localize surrounding targets with (sub)-cm accuracy, without using a dedicated transceiver for each function, will be showcased. The measured multi-harmonic beam-shaping performance will assess the potential for frequency division multiplexing and integrated access point and backhaul systems.