Flexible metasurfaces as sub-6 GHz frequency selective surfaces for 5G applications

Author(s):Show less -

Materon, E. M. ; Filgueiras, H. R. D. ; Boas, E. C. Vilas ; Gomez, F. R. ; Cavalcanti, F. R. P. ; Silva, Y. C. B. ; Cerqueira Jr, S. Arismar ; de Figueiredo, F. A. P. ; Mendes, L. L. ; Oliveira Jr, Osvaldo N. ; Mejia-Salazar, J. R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Physics; v. 134, n. 14, p. 9-pg., 2023-10-14.

Abstract

The deployment of fifth-generation mobile network (5G), beyond 5G and sixth-generation mobile network platforms encounters challenges of blockage, interference, and path loss in radio mobile environments. Metasurfaces provide a promising solution to address these limitations. In this paper, we present a methodology for developing ultrathin flexible metasurface-based frequency selective surfaces (FSSs). Our approach combines thermal evaporation for metallic thin films with a macroscopic metasurface mask (something analogous to screen-printing but using thermal evaporation instead of inks). As a proof of concept, we fabricate a sub-6 GHz metasurface-based FSS using gold deposition on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate substrate. Experimental results are validated through numerical full-wave simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics and equivalent-circuit model simulations. The metasurface operates within the primary frequency band utilized in 5G networks (3-5 GHz), indicating its potential applicability across a wide range of flexible, conformal, and wearable devices. The fabricated FSS can be installed on surfaces of any shape, such as flat or curved windows, as well as on walls or other external surfaces. This methodology offers practical solutions for wireless communications and enhancing signal transmission in diverse environments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/06946-0 - Reconfigurable intelligent surface aided communications for 6G and beyond
• Grantee: Rausley Adriano Amaral de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/25587-5 - Numerical design of all-dielectric nanophotonic optical tweezers for lossless manipulation of small nanoparticles
• Grantee: Jhon James Hernández Sarria
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 22/14229-9 - Design and Development of Flexible Metasurfaces for Biosensing and Telecommunications Applications
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - Brazil
• FAPESP's process: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants