Advanced Metasurfaces for Next-Generation Wireless Communication Networks

During the past few years, reconfigurable metasurfaces emerged from proof-of-concept theories to practical demonstrations in dynamic and complex electromagnetic environments [1]–[10]. Electromagnetic metasurfaces consist of subwavelength passive reconfigurable scatterers, and they are capable of shaping scattered wavefronts at will. It is projected that metasurfaces can be deployed within next-generation wireless networks. Multiple functionalities, such as anomalous reflection and angle-of-arrival sensing, can be achieved using a single adaptable scattering metasurface [8]–[10]. This capability enables integrated sensing and communication, along with user interactions, facilitating end-to-end design and optimization of complex wireless networks.