1-Bit Transmission-Type Digital Programmable Coding Metasurface with Multi-Functional Beam-Shaping Capability for Ka-Band Applications

Digital programmable coding metasurfaces (DPCMs) have recently attracted enormous attention and have been broadly applied, owing to their ability to manipulate electromagnetic (EM) wave behaviours and programmable multi-functionality. Recent DPCM works are divided into reflection and transmission types (R-DPCM and T-DPCM, respectively); however, there are only a few reported T-DPCM works in the millimetre-wave spectrum, owing to the difficulty of realising the large-phase controllable range while maintaining low transmission losses with electronic control components. Consequently, most millimetre-wave T-DPCMs are demonstrated only with limited functions in a single design. Additionally, all these designs use high-cost substrate materials that constrain practical applicability, owing to cost-ineffectiveness. Herein, we propose a 1-bit T-DPCM that simultaneously performs three dynamic beam-shaping functions with a single structure for millimetre-wave applications. The proposed structure is completely constructed using low-cost FR-4 materials, and operation of each meta-cell is manipulated using PIN-diodes, thus driving the achievement of multiple effective dynamic functionalities including dual-beam scanning, multi-beam shaping, and orbital-angular-momentum-mode generation. It should be noted that there are no reported millimetre-wave T-DPCMs demonstrating multi-function design, thus showing a gap in the recent literature of millimetre-wave T-DPCMs. Moreover, cost-effectiveness can be significantly enhanced, owing to the construction of the proposed T-DPCM using only low-cost material.