Professor Chan Chi-hou, the Chair Professor of Electronic Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU), has led a research team to pioneer a universal metasurface antenna. This cutting-edge technology enables the unprecedented manipulation of all five fundamental properties of electromagnetic waves through software control, marking a significant leap forward in antenna capabilities.

Figure 1. Professor Chan Chi-hou (left) and Professor Wu Gengbo (right). (Credit: City University of Hong Kong)

Figure 1 shows Professor Chan Chi-hou (left) and Professor Wu Gengbo (right) showcase the universal metasurface antenna developed at CityU, which allows unprecedented manipulation of electromagnetic waves.

The Holy Grail of Wave Manipulation

Professor Chan, also the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimeter Waves (SKLTMW), describes the universal metasurface antenna as the "Holy Grail" for physicists and engineers. This revolutionary antenna allows independent and simultaneous control over amplitude, phase, frequency, polarization, and direction of electromagnetic radiation—a feat never before achieved.

Implications for 6G Wireless Communication

As global research on 6G wireless communication systems progresses, the universal metasurface antenna holds immense potential. Its advanced waveform manipulation capabilities and enhanced security features are poised to play a crucial role in integrating sensing and communications within 6G systems.

Versatility for Varied Applications

The applications of this groundbreaking technology are vast. The universal metasurface antenna can be utilized in next-generation, large-capacity, high-security information systems, real-time imaging, and wireless power transfer. Its inherent direction modulation properties also enhance privacy and security, making it an ideal candidate for eavesdropper-proof communications.

Published in Nature Communications

The research findings are detailed in the paper titled "A universal metasurface antenna to manipulate all fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves," which was published online in Nature Communications, further solidifying the significance of this breakthrough.

The Team Behind the Innovation

Professor Wu Gengbo, a member of SKLTMW, explained that the universal metasurface antenna can manipulate information by directly generating the modulated waveform in free space. The collaborative effort between CityU and Southeast University, Nanjing, China, played a crucial role in overcoming complex research challenges and achieving this groundbreaking result.

Looking Towards the Future

Professor Chan emphasized the importance of the partnership between the two institutions, highlighting how their joint expertise and resources facilitated the successful development of the universal metasurface antenna. He envisions that this invention will introduce new features to integrating sensing and communications, paving the way for exciting possibilities in the future.

Acknowledgments and Support

The research was made possible through support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council under the Theme-Based Research Scheme and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Big Data Imaging and Communication. This collaboration showcases the power of combining diverse perspectives and knowledge to push the boundaries of technological innovation.

Source:City University of Hong Kong

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), City University of Hong Kong's Revolutionary Metasurface Antenna, AnaTechmaz, pp. 120