Analysis of scalable electromagnetically-modeled anomalous reflectors through ray tracing and measurements

In this study, we elaborate on the concept of a scalable anomalous reflector to analyze the angular response, frequency response, and spatial scalability of a designed anomalous reflector across a broad range of angles and frequencies. We utilize theoretical models and ray tracing simulations to investigate the communication performance of two different-sized scalable finite anomalous reflectors, one smaller configuration with 48 × 48 array of unit cells and the other constructed by combining four smaller anomalous reflectors to form a larger array with 96 × 96 unit cells. To validate the theoretical approach developed, we conducted measurements in an auditorium to evaluate the received power through an anomalous reflector link at different angles and frequencies. In addition, models of scalable deflectors are implemented in the MATLAB ray tracer to simulate the measurement scenario. The results from theoretical calculations and ray tracing simulations show good agreement with the measurement results. The proposed models and parameter abstractions for electromagnetically modeled anomalous reflectors are generalizable and applicable to various types of anomalous reflectors and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, offering potential benefits for efficient cellular network planning in wireless communications.