Metamaterial unit, control device and method of metamaterial unit, metamaterial

Abstract

The present application discloses a metamaterial unit, a control device and method for a metamaterial unit, and a metamaterial. The metamaterial unit includes: a metamaterial unit, a control device and method for a metamaterial unit, and a metamaterial. The metamaterial unit includes: a first dielectric layer, a reflective layer, and a second dielectric layer stacked in sequence from top to bottom; a spiral cavity is provided in the first dielectric layer; each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane; a liquid storage device for storing liquid metal is provided in the second dielectric layer; the cavity and the liquid storage device are connected by a connecting structure; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the cavity through the connecting structure; and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the amount of liquid metal filled in the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a metamaterial unit, a control device and method for a metamaterial unit, and a metamaterial. Background Art

[0002] Metamaterials are a class of artificial materials with unique properties, such as the ability to alter the normal properties of light and electromagnetic waves. Reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials (or metasurfaces) are artificially designed two-dimensional metasurfaces composed of a regular pattern of subwavelength structural units. By adjusting the structure and arrangement of these units, the amplitude, phase, propagation mode, and polarization of electromagnetic waves reflected from the surface can be flexibly controlled.

[0003] However, the metamaterial structure in the related art has the problem of being relatively thick. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve related technical problems, embodiments of the present application provide a metamaterial unit, a control device and method for a metamaterial unit, and a metamaterial.

[0005] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0006] The embodiment of the present application provides a metamaterial unit, comprising: a first dielectric layer, a reflective layer, and a second dielectric layer stacked in sequence from top to bottom; wherein,

[0007] A spiral cavity is provided in the first dielectric layer; each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane;

[0008] The second dielectric layer is provided with a liquid storage device for storing liquid metal;

[0009] The cavity and the liquid storage device are connected by a connecting structure; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the cavity through the connecting structure; and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0010] In the above solution, the spiral cavity includes one of the following:

[0011] square spiral cavity;

[0012] a circular spiral cavity;

[0013] Hexagonal spiral cavities;

[0014] triangular spiral cavity;

[0015] Irregular spiral shaped cavity.

[0016] In the above solution, the spiral cavity includes a port; the port and the liquid storage device are connected through the connecting structure.

[0017] In the above scheme, the spiral cavity includes a first port located in the outermost spiral and a second port located in the innermost spiral; the liquid storage device includes a first liquid storage device and a second liquid storage device; the connecting structure includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure; the first port is connected to the first liquid storage device through the first connecting structure, and the second port is connected to the second liquid storage device through the second connecting structure.

[0018] In the above solution, the spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal, and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit are changed by adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the first port and / or the second port.

[0019] The embodiment of the present application further provides a metamaterial, comprising: a plurality of the metamaterial units provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0020] In the above solution, a plurality of metamaterial units form a metamaterial array in the form of M rows and N columns; wherein both M and N are integers greater than 1.

[0021] The present application also provides a control device for a metamaterial unit, including: a metamaterial unit provided in the present application; the control device includes: a controller, an air pressure regulating component, and a control switch; wherein,

[0022] The controller is configured to send a first control signal to the control switch;

[0023] The control switch is configured to enter an on state under the action of the first control signal;

[0024] The controller is further configured to send a second control signal to the air pressure regulating component;

[0025] The air pressure regulating component is used to inject or absorb air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0026] In the above solution, when the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is not filled with liquid metal, the air pressure regulating component is specifically used to inject air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal in the liquid storage device enters the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity;

[0027] or,

[0028] When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is filled with liquid metal, the air pressure regulating component is specifically used to absorb air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal in the cavity enters the liquid storage device through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0029] In the above solution, the control switch includes a first control switch provided on the first liquid storage device and a second control switch provided on the second liquid storage device;

[0030] The air pressure regulating component includes a first air pressure regulating component corresponding to the first liquid storage device and a second air pressure regulating component corresponding to the second liquid storage device;

[0031] The first control switch and the second control switch are configured to enter an on state under the action of the first control signal;

[0032] The first air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to inject air into the first liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, and the second air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to absorb air from the second liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal enters the cavity from the first port and leaves the cavity from the second port, thereby adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the first port;

[0033] or,

[0034] The second air pressure regulating component is specifically used to inject air into the second liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, and the first air pressure regulating component is specifically used to absorb air from the first liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal enters the cavity from the second port and leaves the cavity from the first port, so as to adjust the length of the liquid metal from the second port.

[0035] In the above solution, the air pressure regulating component includes an air pressure pump, a mechanical pump, a hydraulic pump or an electrowetting element; and the control switch includes a control valve.

[0036] The present application also provides a method for controlling a metamaterial unit, including:

[0037] determining that a structural characteristic of the metamaterial unit needs to be adjusted;

[0038] Sending a first control signal to control a control switch on the liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit to enter an on state;

[0039] After the control switch enters the on state, a second control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to inject or absorb a preset amount of air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit through the connecting structure of the metamaterial unit, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity; each layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane.

[0040] In the above solution, when the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is not filled with liquid metal, the second control signal is sent to control the air pressure control component to inject air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal in the liquid storage device enters the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of liquid metal in the cavity;

[0041] or,

[0042] When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is filled with liquid metal, the second control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to absorb air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal in the cavity enters the liquid storage device through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0043] In the above scheme, when it is determined that the distance between the liquid metal and the first port of the cavity needs to be adjusted, the second control signal is sent to control the first air pressure regulating component to inject air into the first liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit, so that the liquid metal in the first liquid storage device enters the cavity through the first connecting structure and the first port of the cavity; and control the second air pressure regulating component to absorb air from the second liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit, so that the liquid metal in the second liquid storage device leaves the cavity through the second connecting structure and the second port of the cavity;

[0044] or,

[0045] When it is determined that the length of the liquid metal from the second port of the cavity needs to be adjusted, the second control signal is sent to control the second air pressure regulating component to inject air into the second liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal in the second liquid storage device enters the cavity through the second connecting structure and the second port; and the first air pressure regulating component is controlled to absorb air from the first liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal in the first liquid storage device leaves the cavity through the first connecting structure and the first port.

[0046] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the control method provided in the embodiment of the present application are implemented.

[0047] The metamaterial unit, the control device and method of the metamaterial unit, and the metamaterial provided in the embodiments of the present application include: a first dielectric layer, a reflective layer, and a second dielectric layer stacked in sequence from top to bottom; wherein a spiral cavity is provided in the first dielectric layer; each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane; a liquid storage device for storing liquid metal is provided in the second dielectric layer; the cavity and the liquid storage device are connected by a connecting structure; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the cavity through the connecting structure; and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity. In an embodiment of the present application, a spiral cavity is provided in the liquid metal metamaterial radiation layer (i.e., the first dielectric layer), and each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane, that is, the liquid metal metamaterial radiation layer is a single-layer structure, and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit are changed by regulating the filling amount of liquid metal in the spiral cavity. In other words, the embodiment of the present application provides a metamaterial unit that can achieve changes in the surface structure of the metamaterial with only a single layer, so that the thickness of the metamaterial result is relatively small. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1a A schematic cross-sectional view of a metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 1b A cross-sectional schematic diagram of another metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Figure 2a A schematic top view of a spiral cavity of a metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2b A schematic top view of a spiral cavity of another metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 2cA schematic top view of a spiral cavity of another metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 2d A schematic top view of a spiral cavity of another metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a control device for a metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic flow chart of a control method for a metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 6a-6c A schematic cross-sectional view of a metamaterial unit during implementation of a control method for a metamaterial unit provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 7a A schematic diagram of adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the first port provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 7b A schematic diagram of adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the second port provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a liquid metal metamaterial coding array provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of another liquid metal metamaterial coding array provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0063] Electromagnetic metamaterials are artificial composite electromagnetic structures with subwavelength units. Their electromagnetic properties are largely determined by the structural form and spatial distribution of the metamaterial units, rather than the inherent properties of the material itself. Reconfigurable metamaterials can modify their electromagnetic properties, enabling them to readjust operating frequencies, perform polarization deflection, phase correction, or modulate electromagnetic waves within specific ranges, adapting to more complex application scenarios. The metamaterial comprises multiple metamaterial units.

[0064] In related technologies, some reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials achieve reconfiguration by adjusting the capacitance and switching of discrete components within the metamaterial structure, such as varactor diodes, PIN diodes, and micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switches. However, this adjustment method is typically limited to fixed metamaterial unit structures, resulting in limited reconfigurability.

[0065] In related technologies, other reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials are reconfigured by manipulating the shape of liquid metal. Liquid metal here refers to a new type of amorphous, flowable liquid metal material. Among the elemental metals found in nature, only mercury is liquid at room temperature; gallium, rubidium, and cesium are low-melting-point metals. Gallium-indium or gallium-indium-tin alloys are currently the most widely used liquid metal materials. Made from gallium, indium, and tin in a specific ratio, they are non-toxic, pollution-free, and have adjustable melting points. The variability of liquid metal's shape can significantly adjust the properties of metamaterials. Liquid metal encapsulated in the microchannels of the dielectric layer of a metamaterial unit can freely change shape. In practical applications, the structure of the metamaterial unit can be modified based on the liquid metal's shape-adjustable properties, combined with various requirements such as changing the reflection phase, selecting the frequency, and switching the polarization mode, to achieve multi-dimensional control of electromagnetic waves.

[0066] In a specific application, a reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterial comprises multiple electromagnetic metamaterial units. Each electromagnetic metamaterial unit comprises: a first dielectric plate, a second dielectric plate, a metal reflective floor, a third dielectric plate, and a control valve, arranged sequentially along a preset direction. The second dielectric plate is internally provided with stepped slots and vertical through-holes, the bottom of the stepped slots communicating with the vertical through-holes; the third dielectric plate is internally provided with a liquid metal reservoir, communicating with the vertical through-holes in the second dielectric plate; the metal reflective floor comprises a perforated metal patch with a central opening communicating with the vertical through-holes; and the control valve is disposed at the bottom of the third dielectric plate and communicates with the liquid metal reservoir in the third dielectric plate. In this specific application, liquid metal is sequentially poured into a multi-layer cavity structure of varying sizes to change the shape and size of the liquid metal in the metamaterial unit, thereby altering the properties of the metamaterial. In this case, the multi-layer cavity structure results in a relatively large thickness.

[0067] In other words, the structure of the metamaterial in the related art has the problem of being relatively thick, which is not conducive to integration and miniaturization.

[0068] Based on this, in various embodiments of the present application, a spiral cavity is provided in the liquid metal metamaterial radiation layer, and each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane, that is, the liquid metal metamaterial radiation layer is a single-layer structure, and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the filling amount of liquid metal in the spiral cavity. In other words, the embodiments of the present application provide a metamaterial unit that can achieve changes in the surface structure of the metamaterial with only a single layer, and the overall thickness is relatively small.

[0069] It should be noted that the embodiments of this application are not limited to use in electromagnetic metamaterials. Any metamaterial performance reconstruction scenario with a metamaterial unit structure and control method similar to the embodiments of this application is applicable. In the following text, for the sake of clarity, only electromagnetic metamaterials are used as an example.

[0070] The embodiment of the present application provides a metamaterial unit 10, which includes: a first dielectric layer 101, a reflective layer 102, and a second dielectric layer 103 stacked in sequence from top to bottom; wherein:

[0071] A spiral cavity 1011 is provided in the first dielectric layer 101; each spiral layer of the spiral cavity 1011 is located in the same plane;

[0072] The second dielectric layer 103 is provided with a liquid storage device 1031 for storing liquid metal;

[0073] The cavity 1011 and the liquid storage device 1031 are connected via a connecting structure 104; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device 1031 and the cavity 1011 via the connecting structure 104; and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit 10 can be changed by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity 1011.

[0074] Here, the first dielectric layer 101 and the second dielectric layer 102 are both liquid storage dielectric layers. In some embodiments, the material of the liquid storage dielectric layers may include at least one of silicon dioxide, silicon, aluminum oxide, silicone rubber, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).

[0075] The liquid metal is an amorphous, flowable liquid metal material. In some embodiments, the liquid metal includes at least one of a gallium-based liquid metal alloy, an indium-based liquid metal alloy, a bismuth-based liquid metal alloy, and a tin-based liquid metal alloy.

[0076] The liquid storage device 1031 is used to store the stored liquid metal, and the spiral cavity 1011 is used to carry the liquid metal flowing into the liquid storage device. Since the shape of the empty groove is spiral, when the liquid metal enters the cavity 1011, the liquid metal filling amount in the cavity 1011 changes, and the shape of the liquid metal projection on the reflective layer changes. It can be understood that due to the spiral cavity, the shape of the liquid metal projection on the reflective layer can present a variety of different shape states. In this way, the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit 10 can be changed by regulating the filling amount of liquid metal in the spiral cavity, thereby realizing the reconfiguration of the frequency, reflection phase, and polarization mode of the metamaterial unit, and then realizing the change of the metamaterial's electromagnetic wave control performance.

[0077] Here, the reflective layer 102 reflects received electromagnetic waves to prevent them from transmitting. In practical applications, the reflective layer 102 includes a metamaterial dielectric plate 1021 and a metal reflective floor 1022 . The metal reflective floor can be a thin metal sheet made of copper, tin, or the like.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present application, the reflective layer 102 may include a hole structure, and the connecting structure 104 may pass through the reflective layer 102 through the hole structure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the spiral cavity 1011 includes a port 1011 a ; the port and the liquid storage device 1031 are connected via the connecting structure 104 .

[0080] In practical applications, such as Figure 1a As shown, the spiral structure has only one port 1011a; correspondingly, the number of the connecting structure 104 is also one, and the number of the liquid storage device 1031 is also one; the port 1011a is connected to the liquid storage device via the connecting structure. In practical applications, the height of the liquid level in the liquid storage device can be changed by controlling the air pressure in the liquid storage device, thereby changing the amount of liquid metal filling the cavity.

[0081] In some embodiments, the spiral cavity includes a first port 1011-1 located in the outermost spiral and a second port 1011-2 located in the innermost spiral; the liquid storage device 1031 includes a first liquid storage device 1031-1 and a second liquid storage device 1031-2; the connecting structure 104 includes a first connecting structure 104-1 and a second connecting structure 104-2; the first port 1011-1 is connected to the first liquid storage device 1031-1 through the first connecting structure 104-1, and the second port 1011-2 is connected to the second liquid storage device 1031-2 through the second connecting structure 104-2.

[0082] In practical applications, such as Figure 1b As shown, the spiral cavity 1011 has two ports, namely a first port 1011-1 and a second port 1011-2, and the first port 1011-1 and the second port 1011-2 are respectively located at the head and the tail of the spiral cavity; correspondingly, the number of the connecting structures 104 also includes two, namely a first connecting structure 104-1 and a second connecting structure 104-2, and the number of the liquid storage devices 1031 may also include two, namely a first liquid storage device 1031-1 and a second liquid storage device 1031-2; the first port 1011-1 is connected to the first liquid storage device 1031-1 through the first connecting structure 104-1, and the second port 1011-2 is connected to the second liquid storage device 1031-2 through the second connecting structure 104-2.

[0083] In actual applications, when the spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal, the height of the liquid level in the liquid storage device is changed by controlling the air pressure in the first liquid storage device 1031-1 and the second liquid storage device 1031-2, thereby adjusting the length of the liquid metal from the first port 1011-1 and / or the second port 1011-2, that is, achieving a change in the filling amount of liquid metal in the cavity, thereby changing the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit.

[0084] Based on this, in some embodiments, the spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal, and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit are changed by adjusting the length of the liquid metal from the first port 1011 - 1 and / or the second port 1011 - 2 .

[0085] In practical applications, when the spiral cavity is not filled with liquid metal, the amount of liquid metal in the cavity can be adjusted from both the first and second ports, thereby changing the structural properties of the metamaterial unit. Adjustment from each port is similar to the aforementioned adjustment principle for a spiral cavity with only one cavity.

[0086] The present application does not limit the specific shape of the spiral cavity. In practical applications, the specific shape of the spiral cavity can include multiple shapes, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0087] In some embodiments, the spiral cavity 1011 includes one of the following:

[0088] square spiral cavity;

[0089] a circular spiral cavity;

[0090] Hexagonal spiral cavities;

[0091] triangular spiral cavity;

[0092] Irregular spiral shaped cavity.

[0093] In practical applications, schematic diagrams of several regular shaped spiral cavities viewed from above (from the first dielectric layer to the second dielectric layer) are shown as follows: Figure 2a-2d It should be noted that the spiral cavity is a continuous cavity, and each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane.

[0094] The metamaterial unit provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a first dielectric layer, a reflective layer, and a second dielectric layer stacked in sequence from top to bottom; wherein a spiral cavity is provided in the first dielectric layer; each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane; a liquid storage device for storing liquid metal is provided in the second dielectric layer; the cavity and the liquid storage device are connected by a connecting structure; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the cavity through the connecting structure; and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity. The metamaterial unit provided in the embodiment of the present application changes the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the spiral cavity. Since the overall circumference (length) of the spiral cavity is longer, the adjustable range of the liquid metal is larger. Compared with the related art that requires the use of devices such as varactor diodes, PIN diode switches, and MEMS switches to achieve reconfiguration characteristics, the metamaterial unit provided in the embodiment of the present application has stronger reconfiguration capabilities. At the same time, the metamaterial unit provided in the embodiment of the present application is provided with a spiral cavity, and each layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane, that is, the liquid metal metamaterial radiation layer is a single-layer structure, and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the filling amount of liquid metal in the single-layer spiral cavity. Compared with the related art that requires sequentially pouring liquid metal into multi-layer cavity structures of different sizes to achieve the change of the shape and size of the liquid metal in the metamaterial unit, the overall thickness is small, which is conducive to integration and miniaturization.

[0095] Correspondingly, the embodiment of the present application further provides a control device for a metamaterial unit, which is applied to the metamaterial unit provided in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 As shown, the control device 30 includes: a controller 301, an air pressure regulating component 302 and a control switch 303; wherein,

[0096] The controller 301 is configured to send a first control signal to the control switch 303;

[0097] The control switch 303 is configured to enter an on state under the action of the first control signal;

[0098] The controller 301 is further configured to send a second control signal to the air pressure regulating component 302;

[0099] The air pressure regulating component 302 is used to inject or absorb air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0100] Here, the controller 301 is used to control the control switch 303 to be in an on or off state by sending a control signal, such as an electrical signal, to the control switch 303. When the control switch 303 is in the on state, the air pressure regulating component 302 can adjust the air pressure in the liquid storage device; when the control switch 303 is in the off state, the air pressure regulating component 302 cannot adjust the air pressure in the liquid storage device.

[0101] The controller 301 is further configured to send a control signal, such as an electrical signal, to the air pressure control component 302 to control the amount of air injected into or absorbed from the liquid storage device by the air pressure control component 302. In other words, the amount by which the air pressure control component 302 adjusts the air pressure in the liquid storage device is specifically controlled by the controller.

[0102] In some embodiments, the air pressure regulating component 302 includes an air pressure pump, a mechanical pump, a hydraulic pump, or an electrowetting element; and the control switch 303 includes a control valve.

[0103] In practical applications, for the aforementioned metamaterial unit with a spiral cavity having one port, the specific functions of the control device are as follows:

[0104] In some embodiments, when the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is not filled with liquid metal, the air pressure regulating component 302 is specifically configured to inject air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal in the liquid storage device enters the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity;

[0105] or,

[0106] When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is filled with liquid metal, the air pressure regulating component 302 is specifically used to absorb air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal in the cavity enters the liquid storage device through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0107] In practical applications, for the aforementioned metamaterial unit with a spiral cavity having two ports, the specific functions of the control device are as follows:

[0108] In some embodiments, when the spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal;

[0109] The control switch 303 includes a first control switch 303-1 provided on the first liquid storage device and a second control switch 303-2 provided on the second liquid storage device (the first control switch 303-1 and the second control switch 303-2 are as shown in FIG. Figure 1b shown);

[0110] The air pressure regulating component 302 includes a first air pressure regulating component corresponding to the first liquid storage device and a second air pressure regulating component corresponding to the second liquid storage device;

[0111] The first control switch and the second control switch are configured to enter an on state under the action of the first control signal;

[0112] The first air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to inject air into the first liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, and the second air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to absorb air from the second liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal enters the cavity from the first port and leaves the cavity from the second port, thereby adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the first port;

[0113] or,

[0114] The second air pressure regulating component is specifically used to inject air into the second liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, and the first air pressure regulating component is specifically used to absorb air from the first liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal enters the cavity from the second port and leaves the cavity from the first port, thereby adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the second port. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control device for a metamaterial unit with two ports provided in an embodiment of the present application. It should be noted that the controller may also be referred to as Figure 4 The control unit in the arithmetic operation unit, the control switch can also be called Figure 4 The reservoir control valve in the.

[0115] like Figure 4As shown, the two liquid storage device control valves of each liquid metal metamaterial unit are connected to two different sets of air pressure control devices, namely air pressure control component 1 (first air pressure control device) and air pressure control component 2 (second air pressure control device). The liquid storage device control valve 1 (first control switch) of each liquid metal metamaterial unit is connected to the pressure control component 1, and the liquid storage device control valve 2 (second control switch) of each liquid metal metamaterial unit is connected to the pressure control component 2. The pressure control component 1 and the pressure control component 2 are connected to the operation control unit, and the operation control unit can control the air pressure adjustment value of the air pressure control component 1 and the air pressure control component 2 by sending an electrical signal. At the same time, the liquid storage device control valve 1 and the liquid storage device control valve 2 are connected to the operation control unit, and the operation control unit can control the opening and closing states of the liquid storage device control valve 1 and the liquid storage device control valve 2 by sending an electrical signal.

[0116] The present application also provides a method for controlling a metamaterial unit. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0117] Step 501: Determining that the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit need to be adjusted;

[0118] Step 502: Sending a first control signal to control a control switch on the liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit to enter an on state;

[0119] Step 503: After the control switch enters the on state, a second control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to inject or absorb a preset amount of air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit through the connecting structure of the metamaterial unit, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity; each layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane.

[0120] Here, the execution entity of each step in the control method may be the controller in the aforementioned metamaterial control device.

[0121] In practical applications, it can be determined that the structural characteristics of the metamaterial need to be adjusted based on the instructions received by the controller.

[0122] In one embodiment, before sending the first control signal, the method further includes:

[0123] A third control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to enter an open state.

[0124] In practical applications, the first control signal, the second control signal, and the third control signal may all include electrical signals or electrical signal matrices.

[0125] In practical applications, for the aforementioned metamaterial unit with a spiral cavity having one port, step 503 is specifically performed as follows:

[0126] In one embodiment, when the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is not filled with liquid metal; sending the second control signal includes:

[0127] sending the second control signal to control the air pressure regulating component to inject air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal in the liquid storage device enters the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity;

[0128] When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is filled with liquid metal; the sending of the second control signal comprises:

[0129] The second control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to absorb air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal in the cavity enters the liquid storage device through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

[0130] In practical applications, for the aforementioned metamaterial unit with two ports in the spiral cavity, step 503 is specifically performed as follows:

[0131] In one embodiment, when it is determined that the distance between the liquid metal and the first port of the cavity needs to be adjusted, the second control signal is sent to control the first air pressure regulating component to inject air into the first liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit, so that the liquid metal in the first liquid storage device enters the cavity through the first connecting structure and the first port of the cavity; and to control the second air pressure regulating component to absorb air from the second liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit, so that the liquid metal in the second liquid storage device leaves the cavity through the second connecting structure and the second port of the cavity;

[0132] or,

[0133] When it is determined that the length of the liquid metal from the second port of the cavity needs to be adjusted, the second control signal is sent to control the second air pressure regulating component to inject air into the second liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal in the second liquid storage device enters the cavity through the second connecting structure and the second port; and the first air pressure regulating component is controlled to absorb air from the first liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal in the first liquid storage device leaves the cavity through the first connecting structure and the first port.

[0134] Here, the length of the liquid metal from the first port of the cavity can be understood as the outer circle length of the liquid metal metamaterial unit; the length of the liquid metal from the second port of the cavity can be understood as the inner circle length of the liquid metal metamaterial unit.

[0135] It should be noted that in actual applications, for the aforementioned metamaterial unit with two ports in the spiral cavity, when the spiral cavity is not filled with liquid metal, the amount of liquid metal in the cavity can be adjusted from the first port and the second port, respectively, thereby changing the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit. Here, the adjustment from each port is similar to the adjustment method for the aforementioned spiral cavity with a single cavity.

[0136] In practical applications, after step 503, the method further includes:

[0137] A fourth control signal is sent to control the control switch and the air pressure regulating component to enter a closed state.

[0138] It should be noted that the overall metamaterial structure is composed of multiple metamaterial units arranged periodically, and the control of each unit is independent of each other. For metamaterial units that do not need to be adjusted in terms of structural properties, the control switch of the corresponding metamaterial unit needs to be turned off.

[0139] The following combination Figure 6a-6c 、 Figure 7a-7b as well as Figure 4 The control device of the metamaterial unit is shown to explain in detail the specific control method when the spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal. For ease of understanding, the square spiral cavity is used as an example for explanation. The air pressure control component can be a pressure pump.

[0140] Figure 6a This is the initial state where the spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal.

[0141] When the outer ring length of the liquid metal metamaterial unit needs to be adjusted, the operation control unit sends an electrical signal matrix E1, so that the hydraulic device control valves 1 and 2 that need to be adjusted are both in the open state, and the hydraulic device control valves 1 and 2 that do not need to be adjusted are both in the closed state. The operation control unit sends an electrical signal V1 to the pressure regulating component 1 to inject air into the hydraulic device control valve 1. It sends an electrical signal V2 to the pressure regulating component 2, and the hydraulic device control valve 2 injects air into the pressure regulating component 2. For the metamaterial unit that needs to be adjusted, the hydraulic device control valve 1 injects air, and the hydraulic device control valve 2 releases air. As the hydraulic device control valve 1 injects air, the air in the liquid storage device 1 increases, and the pressure causes the liquid metal to be injected into the first port. The liquid level in the liquid storage device 1 decreases, and the liquid level in the liquid storage device 2 increases. At the same time, the air in the liquid storage device 2 is released by the hydraulic device control valve 2, and the air in the liquid storage device 2 gradually decreases. As the liquid level in the liquid storage device 1 decreases, until Figure 6b State, the liquid level in the liquid storage device 1 is lowered to separate from the first communicating structure, the liquid metal is no longer injected into the first port, the air is injected from the first port, and the outer ring arm of the unit spiral is shortened, such as Figure 7a As shown;

[0142] When it is necessary to adjust the inner ring length of the liquid metal metamaterial unit, the operation control unit sends an electrical signal matrix E2, so that the hydraulic device control valves 1 and 2 that need to be adjusted are both in the open state, and the hydraulic device control valves 1 and 2 that do not need to be adjusted are both in the closed state. The operation control unit sends an electrical signal V2 to the pressure regulating component 1, and the hydraulic device control valve 1 injects air into the pressure regulating component 1. Send an electrical signal V1 to the pressure regulating component 2 to inject air into the hydraulic device control valve 2. For the metamaterial unit that needs to be adjusted, the hydraulic device control valve 2 injects air, and the hydraulic device control valve 1 releases air. As the hydraulic device control valve 2 injects air, the air in the liquid storage device 2 increases, and the pressure causes the liquid metal to be injected into the second port. The liquid level in the liquid storage device 2 decreases, and the liquid level in the liquid storage device 1 increases. At the same time, the air in the liquid storage device 1 is released by the hydraulic device control valve 1, and the air in the liquid storage device 1 gradually decreases. As the liquid level in the liquid storage device 2 decreases, until Figure 6c State, the liquid level in the liquid storage device 2 is lowered to separate from the second communicating structure, the liquid metal is no longer injected into the second port, the air is injected from the second port, and the inner ring arm of the unit spiral is shortened, such as Figure 7b shown.

[0143] It is understandable that the spiral cavity has various reconfigurable states and more flexible control methods. According to specific needs, the arm length of the outer or inner ring of the liquid metal on the surface of the metamaterial can be changed, and the operating frequency, reflection phase, polarization characteristics and other characteristics can be changed to achieve more dimensional changes in the electromagnetic wave control capabilities.

[0144] The liquid metal metamaterial radiation layer in the embodiments of the present application is a single-layer structure, employing a spiral cavity. In some implementations, this spiral cavity has two ports. By varying the lengths of the liquid metal arms in the outer and inner rings of the metamaterial, the metamaterial's surface structure can be modified using only a single layer. An arithmetic control unit adjusts the state of the control valve and control device to regulate the liquid metal level in the reservoir, allowing the liquid metal to flow through the port flow channel into the dielectric cavity on the upper surface of the metamaterial unit. This controls the flow of the liquid metal within the unit. By adjusting the amount of liquid metal injected, the spiral arm length can be varied, thereby altering the size of the metamaterial unit and, consequently, the properties of the metamaterial.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the control method provided in the embodiment of the present application are implemented. In practical applications, the computer-readable storage medium can be a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrical programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disc, or a compact disc (CD-ROM) or the like.

[0146] The embodiment of the present application also provides a metamaterial, comprising a plurality of metamaterial units provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0147] It should be noted that in actual applications, the shape of the spiral cavity of each metamaterial unit in the multiple metamaterial units can be the same or different. For example, assuming that the metamaterial includes three metamaterial units, as needed, the three metamaterial units can all adopt a square spiral cavity; the three metamaterial units can also have one square spiral cavity, one circular spiral cavity, and one hexagonal spiral cavity; the three metamaterial units can also have two square spiral cavities and one circular spiral cavity.

[0148] In some embodiments, a plurality of metamaterial units form a metamaterial array in the form of M rows and N columns; wherein both M and N are integers greater than 1.

[0149] In practical applications, the core idea of ​​"coded and digital electromagnetic metamaterials" is to change the structural size of the electromagnetic metamaterial unit and the corresponding amplitude and phase characteristics from continuously variable to discretely variable. This greatly simplifies the design and preparation difficulty of the metamaterial unit structure. The simplest 1-bit coded metamaterial consists of two most basic metamaterial unit structures: "0" unit and "1" unit. The transmission (reflection) phase difference between the two metamaterial units is 180 degrees. By encoding and sorting the 0 and 1 units in different ways, various types of non-periodic structures can be formed, thereby realizing the control of electromagnetic waves. If the designed unit structure can be changed by some means so that it can switch between the 0 state and the 1 state, this electromagnetic metamaterial composed of state-adjustable digital units is usually called a "digital electromagnetic metamaterial."

[0150] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a liquid metal metamaterial coding array provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 Taking a square ring spiral structure as an example, it consists of, but is not limited to, 4×4 2-bit coding elements of equal size. Each coding element is composed of, but is not limited to, 4×4 metamaterial units. Different coding elements correspond to different subunits, and the subunits of adjacent coding sources (such as 00 and 01) differ in phase by 90°. The individual coding elements can be transformed into each other by regulating the liquid metal.

[0151] Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of a liquid metal metamaterial coding array provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 9 In the figure, a schematic diagram of a 16×16 liquid metal metamaterial is shown. By randomly arranging non-reflective phase-coded array sources, this structure effectively scatters electromagnetic waves, reducing radar cross-sections and echo interference. The morphology of the liquid metal metamaterial units can be adjusted to switch between different coding elements, thereby changing the overall layout of the metamaterial and altering its electromagnetic wave control properties, such as focusing the waves, reducing sidelobes, and increasing gain.

[0152] It should be noted that: "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0153] In addition, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict.

[0154] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A metamaterial unit, characterized in that: include: A first dielectric layer, a reflective layer, and a second dielectric layer are stacked in sequence from top to bottom; wherein, A spiral cavity is provided in the first dielectric layer; Each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane; the spiral cavity comprises a first port located in the outermost spiral layer and a second port located in the innermost spiral layer; A liquid storage device for storing liquid metal is provided in the second dielectric layer; the liquid storage device includes a first liquid storage device and a second liquid storage device; The cavity and the liquid storage device are connected by a connecting structure; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the cavity through the connecting structure; the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit can be changed by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity; the connecting structure includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure; the first port is connected to the first liquid storage device through the first connecting structure, and the second port is connected to the second liquid storage device through the second connecting structure.

2. The metamaterial unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The spiral cavity includes one of the following: square spiral cavity; a circular spiral cavity; Hexagonal spiral cavities; triangular spiral cavity; Irregular spiral shaped cavity.

3. The metamaterial unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The spiral cavity includes a port; the port and the liquid storage device are connected through the communication structure.

4. The metamaterial unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The spiral cavity is filled with liquid metal, and the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit are changed by adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the first port and / or the second port.

5. A metamaterial, characterized in that: The method comprises a plurality of metamaterial units according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The metamaterial according to claim 5, characterized in that A plurality of metamaterial units form a metamaterial array in the form of M rows and N columns; wherein both M and N are integers greater than 1.

7. A control device for a metamaterial unit, characterized in that: Applicable to the metamaterial unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4; the control device comprises: a controller, an air pressure regulating component and a control switch; wherein, The controller is configured to send a first control signal to the control switch; The control switch is configured to enter an on state under the action of the first control signal; The controller is further configured to send a second control signal to the air pressure regulating component; The air pressure regulating component is used to inject or absorb air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is not filled with liquid metal, the air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to inject air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal in the liquid storage device enters the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity; or, When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is filled with liquid metal, the air pressure regulating component is specifically used to absorb air into the liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, so that the liquid metal in the cavity enters the liquid storage device through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

9. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The control switch includes a first control switch provided on the first liquid storage device and a second control switch provided on the second liquid storage device; The air pressure regulating component includes a first air pressure regulating component corresponding to the first liquid storage device and a second air pressure regulating component corresponding to the second liquid storage device; The first control switch and the second control switch are configured to enter an on state under the action of the first control signal; The first air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to inject air into the first liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, and the second air pressure regulating component is specifically configured to absorb air from the second liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal enters the cavity from the first port and leaves the cavity from the second port, thereby adjusting the distance between the liquid metal and the first port; or, The second air pressure regulating component is specifically used to inject air into the second liquid storage device under the action of the second control signal, and the first air pressure regulating component is specifically used to absorb air from the first liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal enters the cavity from the second port and leaves the cavity from the first port, so as to adjust the length of the liquid metal from the second port.

10. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The air pressure regulating component includes an air pressure pump, a mechanical pump, a hydraulic pump or an electrowetting element; and the control switch includes a control valve.

11. A method for controlling a metamaterial unit, characterized in that: include: Determine the need to adjust the structural characteristics of the metamaterial unit; wherein the metamaterial unit includes a first dielectric layer, a reflective layer and a second dielectric layer stacked in sequence from top to bottom; a spiral cavity is provided in the first dielectric layer; each spiral layer of the spiral cavity is in the same plane; the spiral cavity includes a first port located in the outermost spiral and a second port located in the innermost spiral; a liquid storage device for storing liquid metal is provided in the second dielectric layer; the liquid storage device includes a first liquid storage device and a second liquid storage device; the cavity and the liquid storage device are connected by a connecting structure; the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the cavity through the connecting structure; the structural characteristics are obtained by regulating the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity; the connecting structure includes a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure; the first port is connected to the first liquid storage device through the first connecting structure, and the second port is connected to the second liquid storage device through the second connecting structure; Sending a first control signal to control a control switch on the liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit to enter an on state; After the control switch enters the on state, a second control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to inject or absorb a preset amount of air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal flows between the liquid storage device and the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit through the connecting structure of the metamaterial unit, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is not filled with liquid metal, sending the second control signal to control the air pressure regulating component to inject air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal in the liquid storage device enters the spiral cavity through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity; or, When the spiral cavity of the metamaterial unit is filled with liquid metal, the second control signal is sent to control the air pressure regulating component to absorb air into the liquid storage device through the control switch, so that the liquid metal in the cavity enters the liquid storage device through the connecting structure, thereby adjusting the filling amount of the liquid metal in the cavity.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that When it is determined that the distance between the liquid metal and the first port of the cavity needs to be adjusted, the second control signal is sent to control the first air pressure regulating component to inject air into the first liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit, so that the liquid metal in the first liquid storage device enters the cavity through the first connecting structure and the first port of the cavity; and to control the second air pressure regulating component to absorb air from the second liquid storage device of the metamaterial unit, so that the liquid metal in the second liquid storage device leaves the cavity through the second connecting structure and the second port of the cavity; or, When it is determined that the length of the liquid metal from the second port of the cavity needs to be adjusted, the second control signal is sent to control the second air pressure regulating component to inject air into the second liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal in the second liquid storage device enters the cavity through the second connecting structure and the second port; and the first air pressure regulating component is controlled to absorb air from the first liquid storage device, so that the liquid metal in the first liquid storage device leaves the cavity through the first connecting structure and the first port.

14. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 11 to 13 are implemented.

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