Electromagnetic Waves Research Articles

Artificial intelligence-powered intelligent reflecting surface systems countering adversarial attacks in machine learning

With the increase in the computation power of devices wireless communication has started adopting machine learning (ML) techniques. Intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is a programmable device that can be used to control electromagnetic wave propagation by changing the electric and magnetic values of its surface. State-of-the-art ML especially on deep learning (DL)-based IRS-enhanced communication is an emerging topic. Yet while integrating IRS with other emerging technologies possibilities of adversarial data creaping is high. Threats to security, their mitigation, and complexes for AI-powered applications in next generation networks are continuously emerging. In this work the ability of an IRS enhanced wireless network in future-generation networks to prevent adversarial machinelearning attacks is studied. The artificial intelligence (AI) model is used to minimize the susceptibility of attacks using defense distillation mitigation technique. The outcome shows that the defensive distillation technique (DDT) increases the strength and performance by around 22% of the AI method under an adversarial attack.

Programmable metasurfaces with high angular stability for arbitrarily-polarized obliquely-incident waves

Programmable metasurfaces show enormous potential in real-time electromagnetic (EM) manipulation and their stable responses to variable EM waves including incident angle and polarization changes are crucial for related applications. However, the demonstrated programmable metasurfaces are commonly considered in normal-incident waves with fixed polarization; how to achieve stable performance in more realistic scenarios of wide-angle and full-polarized wave incidences is still a challenge. Here, we propose and realize a wide-angle and full-polarization programmable metasurface, which can generate stabilized amplitude and phase responses at both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) oblique incidences. These are achieved by introducing metallic walls around the metasurface element to reduce element coupling, which greatly improves the angular stability of its reflection responses. The mechanisms of angular insensitivity are analyzed comprehensively, and as a proof of concept, obliquely-incident beam steering, large-angle beam scanning and oblique vortex beam emitting are demonstrated on this programmable metasurface. Both the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the programmable metasurface can operate well at both TE and TM wide-angle oblique incidences in the upper half space. Our work offers an actual route for improving the angular stability and polarization insensitivity of metasurfaces, which could push them one step closer towards more complicated applications.

Gaining Insights into the Interplay between Optical and Magnetic Properties in Photoexcited Coordination Compounds.

We describe early and recent advances in the fascinating field of combined magnetic and optical properties of inorganic coordination compounds and in particular of 3d-4f single molecule magnets. We cover various applied techniques which allow for the correlation of results obtained in the frequency and time domain in order to highlight the specific properties of these compounds and the future challenges towards multidimensional spectroscopic tools. An important point is to understand the details of the interplay of magnetic and optical properties through performing time-resolved studies in the presence of external fields especially magnetic ones. This will enable further exploration of this fundamental interactions i. e. the two components of electromagnetic radiation influencing optical properties.

Cladding-free Fermi arc surface states and topological directional couplers in ideal photonic Weyl metamaterials

Photons can freely propagate in a vacuum, making it not a simple insulator but rather a conductor for photons. Consequently, in topological photonics, domain wall structures with opposing effective mass terms are used as cladding to confine electromagnetic waves. This approach is necessary to demonstrate topological edge/surface waves and Fermi arc surface states (FASS). Here, we show that the cladding-free FASS with high field localization at the boundary can be achieved using ideal Weyl gyromagnetic metamaterials (GMs). In these GMs, the ideal Weyl semimetal phase exists due to the dispersionless longitudinal modes. At the boundary of the GMs-vacuum system, the cladding-free FASS connects the projections of Weyl nodes with opposite chirality, thanks to the bulk-boundary correspondence principle. We further confirm that chiral boundary modes can propagate without experiencing scattering or backward reflection, i.e., they can advance seamlessly approximately various types of defects. Remarkably, various types of topological directional couplers are achieved by utilizing cladding-free FASS in an ideal gyromagnetic medium. Our theoretical analysis reveals that the underlying operational principle for accomplishing these nonreflecting directional couplers is due to the single coupling channel between the cladding-free FASS and the multi-type scatterers of the continuous media. Furthermore, the controllable propagation and topological directional coupling of cladding-free FASS can be further explored by adjusting the ideal gyromagnetic medium and boundary configurations of the continuous media system. This research offers increased flexibility for the development of cladding-free and directionally coupled topological devices.

Temperature-controlled tunable metamaterial absorber based on vanadium dioxide with ‘switch’ functionality

The performance of traditional absorbers is fixed in a specific frequency or wavelength range, and the actual application often needs to adjust the absorption characteristics according to different scenarios or needs. A THz wave modulator, utilizing temperature-controlled phase change materials, is proposed to address the limitation of absorbers’ inability to adjust to external environments. Tunable absorber is a kind of device with dynamic regulation ability, and its absorption characteristics can be adjusted and optimized according to external conditions. This modulator enables the switch function of metamaterial absorbers, comprising a gold reflector layer, a silicon dioxide depletion layer, and a vanadium dioxide pattern layer. Simulations via finite element method reveal two nearly perfect absorption peaks, up to 99.99%. As temperature rises, absorption rates increase, stabilizing gradually after vanadium dioxide transitions from insulating to metallic phase. With a modulation depth of 98.49%, the absorber achieves adjustability. It enables polarization-independent absorption of electromagnetic waves, exhibiting strong absorption at incident angles from 0° to 50° for TE and TM waves. Leveraging vanadium dioxide’s phase change characteristics, the absorber can switch between ON and OFF states based on temperature changes, promising potential applications in light modulation and THz absorbers.

Broadband intelligent programmable metasurface with polarization-modulated self-adaptive electromagnetic functionality switching

Programmable metasurfaces have received a great deal of attention due to their ability to dynamically manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves. Despite the rapid growth, most of the existing metasurfaces require manual control to switch among different functionalities, which poses severe limitations on practical applications. Here, we put forth an intelligent metasurface that has self-adaptive EM functionality switching in broadband without human participation. It is equipped with polarization discrimination antennas (PDAs) and feedback components to automatically adjust functionalities for the different incident polarization information. The PDA module can first perceive the polarization of incident EM waves, e.g., linear or circular polarization, and then provide the feedback signal to the controlling platform for switching the EM functionality. As exemplary demonstrations, a series of functionalities in the 9–22 GHz band has been realized, including beam scanning for x-polarization, specular reflection for y-polarization, diffuse scattering for left-handed circular polarization (LCP), and vortex beam generation for right-handed circular polarization (RCP) waves. Experiments verify the good self-adaptive reaction capability of the intelligent metasurface and are in good agreement with the designs. Our strategy provides an avenue toward future unmanned devices that are consistent with the ambient environment.

Design and analysis of 2D one-way splitter waveguide based on topological photonics

We present a new high-efficiency splitter waveguide design based on photonic topological insulators. The system’s robust edge states allow electromagnetic waves to propagate in the 2D waveguide without backscattering, resulting in almost 100% transmission in the outputs. We also study resonating modes in the structure and show that introducing specific defects can create such modes. We consider four domains with rods of varying magneto-optical properties to provide edge modes in the system. By eliminating rows and columns of rods, we calculate the transmission at the outputs, revealing resonating modes in the middle of the structure with spatial symmetry. Our calculations indicate that the most promising resonating mode occurs when two rods and two columns are eliminated, with a quality factor Q = 1.02 × 106 at frequency f = 8.23 GHz and almost zero transmission at this frequency to the outputs. We further confirm our results using the transmission line resonator model as a semi-analytical model, which agrees well with our findings.

Simple model to incorporate statistical noise based on a modified hodgkin-huxley approach for external electrical field driven neural responses

Noise activity is known to affect neural networks, enhance the system response to weak external signals, and lead to stochastic resonance phenomenon that can effectively amplify signals in nonlinear systems. In most treatments, channel noise has been modeled based on multi-state Markov descriptions or the use stochastic differential equation models. Here we probe a computationally simple approach based on a minor modification of the traditional Hodgkin-Huxley approach to embed noise in neural response. Results obtained from numerous simulations with different excitation frequencies and noise amplitudes for the action potential firing show very good agreement with output obtained from well-established models. Furthermore, results from the Mann–Whitney U Test reveal a statistically insignificant difference. The distribution of the time interval between successive potential spikes obtained from this simple approach compared very well with the results of complicated Fox and Lu type methods at much reduced computational cost. This present method could also possibly be applied to the analysis of spatial variations and/or differences in characteristics of random incident electromagnetic signals.

2D Tantalum Disulfide Reduction Strategy Customized Ta2O5/rGO Heterointerface Aerogel Toward Boosting Electromagnetic Wave Absorption and Flame Retardancy.

The exceptional and substantial electron affinity, as well as the excellent chemical and thermal stability of transition metal oxides (TMOs), infuse infinite vitality into multifunctional applications, especially in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption. Nonetheless, the suboptimal structural mechanical properties and absence of structural regulation continue to hinder the advancement of TMOs-based aerogels. Herein, a novel 2D tantalum disulfide (2H-TaS2) reduction strategy is demonstrated to synthesize Ta2O5/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) heterointerface aerogels with unique characters. As the prerequisite, the defects, interfaces, and configurations of aerogels are regulated by varying the concentration of 2H-TaS2 to ensure the Ta2O5/rGO heterointerface aerogels with appealing EMW absorption properties such as a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -61.93dB and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.54GHz (7.80-16.34GHz). This strategy provides valuable insights for designing advanced EMW absorbers. Meanwhile, the aerogel exhibits favorable thermal insulation performance with a value of 36mW m-1 K-1, outstanding fire resistance capability, and exceptional mechanical energy dissipation performance, making it promising for applications in the aerospace industry and consumer electronics devices.

Observations of co-existing rising and falling tone emissions of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves

We report observations of co-existing rising and falling tone emissions of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves by THEMIS E spacecraft. The investigation of these fine structures of the EMIC waves is essential from the point of view of understanding the connection between the proton holes and the proton hills in velocity phase-space. The wave packets of rising and falling tones are tracked by Poynting vector analysis, where we observe that the rising tones are propagating northward and the falling tones are propagating southward. The nonlinear wave growth theory supports our observations. We propose a model where the proton velocity distribution function evolves through the formation of proton holes on the negative side of the distribution function and mirrored resonant protons forming proton hills on the positive side of the distribution function, allowing us to observe the co-existing rising and falling tone EMIC waves.Graphical abstract

Infra-Red Emission for Heat Radiation from Micro-Cone Textured Metallic Sheet Device with Semi-Regular Alignment

Abstract A micro-cone textured copper sheet was fabricated as an emitter of electromagnetic waves in the near-infrared (IR) to the far-IR wave lengths. This micro-cone texture was aligned in semi-regular by varying the micro-cone size parameters. The micro-cone height (H) was varied from 0.5 µm to 4 µm in average. SEM analysis was utilized to characterize the microstructure of micro-cone textures and to measure the population of micro-cone height (H), its root diameter (B) and pitch (D) with aid of the picture processing and computational geometry. This height population P (H) was compared to the IR emission spectrum, which was measured by the FT-IR (Fourier Transformation IR). Even varying the average height of micro-cone textures, the IR-emission wavelength (λ) abided by the resonance condition by λ ~ 2 x H within the standard deviation of heights and wavelengths. Through the heat radiation experiment in vacuum, the emitted heat flux was estimated to be 58 W/m2 by the one-dimensional heat balance between the heating rate of objective body and the radiated heat flux.

A New Method of UAV Swarm Formation Flight Based on AOA Azimuth-Only Passive Positioning

UAV swarm passive positioning technology only requires the reception of electromagnetic signals to achieve the positioning and tracking of radiation sources. It avoids the active positioning strategy that requires active emission of signals and has the advantages of good concealment, long acting distance, and strong anti-interference ability, which has received more and more attention. In this paper, we propose a new UAV swarm formation flight method based on pure azimuth passive positioning. Specifically, we propose a two-circle positioning model, which describes the positional deviation of the receiving UAV using trigonometric functions relative to the target in polar coordinates. Furthermore, we design a two-step adjustment strategy that enables the receiving UAV to reach the target position efficiently. Based on the above design, we constructed an optimized UAV swarm formation scheme. In experiments with UAV numbers of 8 and 20, compared to the representative comparison strategy, the proposed UAV formation scheme reduces the total length of the UAV formation by 34.76% and 55.34%, respectively. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in the application of assigning target positions to UAV swarms.

Multiwavelength radiation from the interaction between magnetar bursts and a companion star in a binary system

Magnetars are young, highly magnetized neutron stars that are associated with magnetar short bursts (MSBs), magnetar giant flares (MGFs), and at least some fast radio bursts (FRBs). In this work, we consider a magnetar and a main sequence star in a binary system and analyze the properties of the electromagnetic signals generated by the interaction between the magnetar bursts and the companion star. During the preburst period, persistent radiation could be generated by the interaction between the $e^+e^-$-pair wind from the magnetar and the companion or its stellar wind. We find that for a newborn magnetar, the persistent preburst radiation from the strong magnetar wind can be dominant, and it is mainly at the optical and ultraviolet (UV) bands. For relatively old magnetars, the re-emission from a burst interacting with the companion is larger than the persistent preburst radiation and the luminosity of the companion itself. The transient re-emission produced by the heating process has a duration of $0.1 - 10^5 s $ at the optical, UV, and X-ray bands. Additionally, we find that if these phenomena occur in nearby galaxies within a few hundred kiloparsecs, they could be detected by current or future optical telescopes.

Protecting Data at Risk of Unintentional Electromagnetic Emanation: TEMPEST Profiling

Unintentional electromagnetic (EM) emissions often include information about the data processed by electronic devices. Intrusion based on an unintentional EM emission leaves no evidence of an attacker’s activity, while the data owner is unaware that it has been lost. EM attacks can be performed without physically damaging a device that operates regularly. The most typical intrusion activities involve sensitive data exfiltration using various methods that do not require the physical connection of devices to the computer network or communication channels. This research examines EM emissions from computer monitors, wireless keyboards and mice, printers, scanners, conductors, piezoelectric sensors (PES), and radio frequency identification (RFID) devices. The telecommunication electronics material protected from emanating spurious transmissions (TEMPEST) profiling as a performance engineering of the EM footprint is discussed. This study also presents different TEMPEST standards and highlights their importance concerning unintentional EM radiation.

Electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of silicon carbide modified concrete applied to protective engineering

Electromagnetic protection measures can effectively prevent electromagnetic waves from harming equipment, facilities, information security and human health. To enhance the electromagnetic wave-absorbing capacity of standard concrete, silicon carbide (SiC) was selected as an absorbing agent to produce wave-absorbing concrete. The influences of SiC content on the electromagnetic reflection loss, electromagnetic parameters, and mechanical properties of concrete were systematically investigated. After 28 days of curing, the concrete sample modified with 10 wt% SiC displays the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of 36.12 MPa and 3.10 MPa, respectively. And the optimum electromagnetic absorption performance reaches −16.25 dB at 3.37 GHz and the electrical conductivity is 1.55×10−4 S/m. The SiC modified concrete demonstrates the dielectric loss type absorption characteristics. This research provides a practical solution for electromagnetic wave protection, which is expected to be used in both military and civilian applications.

High-speed independent polarization modulation based on dual channel 2DEG anisotropic terahertz metasurfaces

In communication and imaging systems, anisotropic metasurfaces bring new degrees of freedom for the independent control of electromagnetic waves with different polarizations. This paper proposes a dual-polarization modulation metasurface (DPMM) operating in the terahertz (THz) frequency range, which can effectively and independently modulate two orthogonally linearly polarized electromagnetic waves. The metasurface unit adopts an anisotropic structure, and by integrating multiple GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (GaN-HEMTs) into the anisotropic structure, independent control of the two-dimension electron gas (2DEG) carrier concentration in the dual-polarization channel is achieved, enabling selective modulation of x-polarization and y-polarization waves. Simulation and static experimental results demonstrate the excellent modulation isolation performance of the DPMM, with a maximum isolation exceeding 45 dB. Dynamic experiments further highlight the high-speed modulation effect, with modulation speeds exceeding 1 GHz for a single channel and an overall modulation speed of 2 GHz for dual polarization, highlighting its potential for enhancing channel capacity and information throughput in THz communication and imaging systems.

Magnetic nanoparticle‐induced sorbent regeneration for direct air capture

AbstractDirect air capture (DAC) is a promising technology for decarbonization through the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. In many DAC processes, the regeneration energy used to restore the capture capacity of sorbents accounts for a significant fraction of the energy required by the whole process. Here we report an effective and scalable sorbent regeneration method for liquid DAC solvents based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) heating with AC magnetic fields. MNPs can be directly heated to provide uniform and rapid volumetric heating, as we demonstrate by promoting the release of captured CO2 from an aqueous solution of potassium sarcosinate. Our results showed that 90% of the solvent can be regenerated within 7.5 min of heating through proposed technique. The MNPs and solvent are found to be stable during the regeneration process and the MNPs showed long‐term stability in the CO2‐saturated solvent. Cyclic experiments showed that the nanoparticles can be reused for multiple cycles without performance deterioration. The process is operated in a noncontact mode through electromagnetic waves, making it an adoptable approach for existing carbon capture systems. The MNPs heating provides an effective regeneration strategy for liquid solvents used in carbon capture processes, in particular for DAC.

Power-modulated reconfigurable nonlinear plasmonic devices without DC power supply and feed circuit

High-power electromagnetic (EM) waves can directly modulate the parameters of nonlinear varactor diodes through the rectification and Kerr effects without relying on external sources. Based on this principle, we propose a power-modulated reconfigurable nonlinear device based on spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) waveguide loaded by varactor diodes, without applying DC power supply or feed circuit. Increasing the input power level reduces the effective capacitance of the varactor diode, leading to a blueshift in the cutoff frequency of the SSPP waveguide. This feature can be employed to realize the switching on/off of the input signal depending on the signal power. On the other hand, the transmission state of a low-power signal can be controlled by inputting another independent high-power EM wave simultaneously. Increasing the power of the control wave will enable the low-power signal within a wider bandwidth switched from off to on states. Experimental results are presented to show the excellent performance of the power-modulated reconfigurable SSPP device. This method can reduce the system complexity and provide inspiration for reconfigurable all-passive multifunctional devices and systems.

Electromagnetic force from electric vehicles: Potential electromagnetic interference source for subcutaneous implantable defibrillator.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) encompasses electromagnetic field signals that can be detected by a device's circuitry, potentially resulting in adverse effects such as inaccurate sensing, pacing, device mode switching, and defibrillation. EMI may impact the functioning of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) and lead to inappropriate therapy. An experimental measuring device, a loop antenna mimicking the implantable cardioverted defibrillator (ICD) antenna, was developed, and validated at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sent to Wright State University for testing. Two sets of measurements were conducted while the vehicle was connected to a 220-Volt outlet with charging at ON and OFF. Each measurement set involved three readings at various locations, with the antenna oriented in three different positions to account for diverse patient postures. The experiment utilized a Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle (EV), assessing scenarios both inside and outside the car, including the driver's seat, driver's seat floor, passenger's seat, rear seat, rear seat floor, cup holder, charging port (car), and near the charging station. The detected voltage (max 400 to 504 millivolts) around the cup holder inside the car differed from all other measurement scenarios. The investigation highlights the identification of EMI signals originating from an EV) that could potentially interrupt the functionality of a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (S-ICD). These signals fell within the R-wave Spectrum of 30-300Hz. Further in-vivo studies are essential to determine accurately the level of interference between S-ICDs and EMI from Electric Vehicles.

Membrane-mediated modulation of mitochondrial physiology by terahertz waves

Extensive studies have demonstrated the diverse impacts of electromagnetic waves at gigahertz and terahertz (THz) frequencies on cytoplasmic membrane properties. However, there is little evidence of these impacts on intracellular membranes, particularly mitochondrial membranes crucial for mitochondrial physiology. In this study, human neuroblast-like cells were exposed to continuous 0.1 THz radiation at an average power density of 33 mW/cm2. The analysis revealed that THz exposure significantly altered the mitochondrial ultrastructure. THz waves enhanced the enzymatic activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain but disrupted supercomplex assembly, compromising mitochondrial respiration. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed altered rates of change in the quantity of hydrogen bonds and infiltration of water molecules in lipid bilayers containing cardiolipin, indicating the specific behavior of cardiolipin, a signature phospholipid in mitochondria, under THz exposure. These findings suggest that THz radiation can significantly alter mitochondrial membrane properties, impacting mitochondrial physiology through a mechanism related to mitochondrial membrane, and provide deeper insight into the bioeffects of THz radiation.