Programmable time-domain digital-coding metasurface for non-linear harmonic manipulation and new wireless communication systems

TLDR

Optical nonlinear phenomena in natural materials at high intensities enable diverse applications, yet efficient and flexible control of harmonic conversion remains a major challenge. We introduce a dynamic time‑domain digital‑coding metasurface that enables efficient manipulation of spectral harmonic distribution and propose a simplified wireless communication architecture that delivers excellent real‑time signal performance. The metasurface achieves this by dynamically modulating the local phase of its reflectivity, allowing precise, programmable control of multiple harmonics and enabling unconventional responses such as a velocity illusion. The resulting architecture simplifies modern communication systems while delivering excellent real‑time signal performance, thereby opening new practical pathways for metamaterial applications.

Abstract

Optical non-linear phenomena are typically observed in natural materials interacting with light at high intensities, and they benefit a diverse range of applications from communication to sensing. However, controlling harmonic conversion with high efficiency and flexibility remains a major issue in modern optical and radio-frequency systems. Here, we introduce a dynamic time-domain digital-coding metasurface that enables efficient manipulation of spectral harmonic distribution. By dynamically modulating the local phase of the surface reflectivity, we achieve accurate control of different harmonics in a highly programmable and dynamic fashion, enabling unusual responses, such as velocity illusion. As a relevant application, we propose and realize a novel architecture for wireless communication systems based on the time-domain digital-coding metasurface, which largely simplifies the architecture of modern communication systems, at the same time yielding excellent performance for real-time signal transmission. The presented work, from new concept to new system, opens new pathways in the application of metamaterials to practical technology.