Reconfigurable metasurface emitters

Abstract

In this article, we propose a reconfigurable metasurface emitter (MSE) with beam shaping capability without using any phase shifter or a superstrate. MSEs consist of repeating radiative inclusions (unit cells) distributed on a surface. The type, shape, geometry, and the arrangement of the radiative inclusions provide great flexibility to design high efficiency reconfigurable radiative surfaces with almost any desired property. Here, we propose a new metasurface emitter with parasitic inclusions for enhanced bandwidth and increased beam rotation as a special case of beam shaping. The design procedure of such MSE is explained, and its performance as an emitting surface is investigated through full wave simulations and measurements. In addition, we propose a technique for beam steering by integration of tunable components such as varactors to each inclusion. Using tunable components can provide reconfigurability for the radiated beam of MSE.