A team of researchers, led by Professor Chan Chi-hou from the City University of Hong Kong, has developed a groundbreaking antenna called the ‘microwave universal metasurface antenna.’ This unique antenna can dynamically, simultaneously, independently, and precisely manipulate all essential properties of electromagnetic waves through software control. Professor Chan described a universal component capable of controlling all fundamental wave properties as the “Holy Grail for physicists and engineers.” This development holds significant promise for 6G wireless communication systems, as the antenna’s capabilities in controlling and securing signals make it valuable for various applications involving sensing, information gathering, communication, and data transmission.
The antenna’s ability to adjust the strength, timing, frequency, direction, and vibration of waves simultaneously marks a significant breakthrough in the field. Its versatility positions it for use in advanced information systems of the future, particularly those requiring efficient data handling and security. Additionally, the antenna can wirelessly transfer power, enabling device charging without physical connections. Notably, it can control the direction of signals, enhancing privacy and security in communication systems to prevent eavesdropping.
These advancements extend the applications of the universal metasurface antenna (UMA) to augmented reality, holography, integrated sensing and communications for 6G, quantum optics, and quantum information science. Professor Wu Gengbo, the paper’s first author, expressed the hope that the UMA could serve as a simplified, low-cost, highly integrated, and low-power information transmitter. While initially demonstrated in the microwave band, the UMA’s concept can be expanded to terahertz frequencies, enabling diverse applications in various cutting-edge fields.
