A liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit and antenna

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit and antenna. The unit comprises, from top to bottom, a metal patch layer, a dielectric substrate layer, and a solar panel. The metal patch layer is subjected to multiple slots and arc-shaped cuts, thereby changing the surface current and electric field distribution of the metal patch layer, thereby introducing more resonant modes. By varying the length and width of the slots, as well as the radius and center position of the arc-shaped cuts, different resonant frequencies are induced, enabling the relay metasurface unit to respond to a wider frequency range and generate at least two operating frequencies within the broadband range. The different slots couple with each other to form a composite resonant mode. The present invention has two operating frequencies in the Ku band and is simultaneously loaded with a solar panel used to power target devices and other equipment. This effectively addresses issues such as poor beam pointing directionality in field applications and the lack of a stable power supply that affects the continued operation of equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of antennas, and in particular to a liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit and antenna. Background Art

[0002] Metasurfaces are artificial structures with the surface properties of metamaterials. Through precisely designed microscopic structural units (i.e., metastructures), they can precisely control the phase, amplitude, and polarization of electromagnetic waves. This control capability enables metasurfaces to effectively enhance signal quality and improve system flexibility in beam steering and signal relay applications. It also adapts to different frequency bands and supports more complex wireless communication scenarios. However, these structures still have some drawbacks. For example, some metasurfaces only operate within a specific frequency range, which limits their functionality for applications that require broad frequency coverage. Furthermore, some metasurfaces introduce additional losses during operation, resulting in performance degradation. Reducing losses and improving efficiency are among the challenges facing metasurface technology. Furthermore, when incorporated into target devices, some metasurfaces become too large to meet modern miniaturization requirements. In summary, traditional metasurface designs are unable to meet the low-loss, miniaturization, and multifunctionality requirements of modern communication systems. Research into the application of novel materials is a growing trend.

[0003] Some metasurface designs currently used for beam steering and signal relay may work effectively at specific frequencies, but may not perform well at other frequencies and may introduce additional losses. Furthermore, the uncertainty of unmanned outdoor environments leads to difficulties in powering equipment, limiting their practical application in these environments. Secondly, as size decreases during miniaturization, the coupling effect between metasurface units may increase, leading to undesirable interference and performance degradation. Furthermore, because integrating traditional metasurface designs with solar panels increases the size of the array, it is difficult to meet the needs of modern communications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit and antenna to solve the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0005] The objectives of the present invention are achieved through the following technical solutions: a liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit, which includes, from top to bottom, a metal patch layer, a dielectric substrate layer, and a solar panel; the metal patch layer is subjected to multiple slots and arc-shaped cut corners, thereby changing the surface current and electric field distribution of the metal patch layer, thereby introducing more resonant modes, and by changing the length and width of the slots, as well as the radius and center position of the arc-shaped cut corners, different resonant frequencies are induced, so that the relay metasurface unit can respond to a wider frequency range and generate at least two operating frequency points within the broadband range;

[0006] Different slots couple with each other to form a composite resonance mode. At the same time, the slots increase the effective inductance and reduce the resonance frequency, thereby extending the lower limit of the operating frequency band, affecting the resonance frequency, and making it have a wider bandwidth.

[0007] The metal patch layer includes a square metal patch located on the periphery and a square metal patch located in the middle; a groove is provided on each side of the square metal patch, a groove is provided in the middle and on each side of the square metal patch, and the four corners of the square metal patch are all arc-shaped cut corners.

[0008] The slots formed on each side of the square metal patch are located in the middle of each side, and the depth of the slots is smaller than the width of each side.

[0009] The slots formed on each side of the square metal patch are located in the middle of each side and are not connected to the slots formed in the middle of the square metal patch.

[0010] The dielectric substrate layer includes a glass substrate and a liquid crystal material arranged inside the glass substrate. The metal patch layer is located on the upper surface of the glass substrate, and the solar panel is located on the lower surface of the glass substrate.

[0011] An antenna based on a liquid crystal glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit, the antenna comprising a plurality of liquid crystal glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface units, the plurality of intelligent metasurface units being arranged in an array.

[0012] The present invention has the following advantages: a liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit and antenna, which has two operating frequencies in the Ku band and is loaded together with a solar panel used to power target equipment and other devices, effectively solving problems such as poor beam pointing directionality in field applications and lack of stable power supply that affect the continuous operation of equipment, while meeting the development needs of miniaturization and multifunctionality of arrays. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the intelligent metasurface unit of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the top view of the intelligent metasurface unit of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the antenna of the present invention;

[0016] In the figure: 1-metal patch layer, 2-dielectric substrate layer, 3-solar panel, 4-grooving, 5-arc-cut corners, 6-glass substrate, 7-liquid crystal material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application generally described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided below in conjunction with the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application for which protection is claimed, but merely represents the selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments of the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application. The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit structure with dual operating frequencies. This structure has two operating frequencies in the Ku band and is loaded together with solar panels used to power target devices and other equipment. It effectively solves problems such as poor beam pointing directionality in field applications and lack of stable power supply that affects the continuous operation of equipment, while meeting the development needs of miniaturization and multifunctionality of arrays.

[0019] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes a metal patch layer 1, a dielectric substrate layer 2 and a solar panel 3 from top to bottom; the metal patch layer 1 includes a square metal patch located on the periphery and a square metal patch located in the middle; a slot 4 is provided on each side of the square metal patch, a slot 4 is provided in the middle and on each side of the square metal patch, and the four corners of the square metal patch are all subjected to arc cutting 5.

[0020] Furthermore, the slot 4 opened on each side of the square metal patch is located in the middle of each side, and the depth of the slot 4 is less than the width of each side; the slot 4 opened on each side of the square metal patch is located in the middle of each side, and is not connected to the slot 4 opened in the middle of the square metal patch.

[0021] Then change the surface current and electric field distribution of the metal patch layer 1, thereby introducing more resonance modes. Figure 2 The length and width of each slot 4, as shown in the dashed box in the right figure, as well as the radius and center position of the arc cut 5, induce different resonant frequencies. This allows the overall structure to respond to a wider frequency range, generating two operating frequencies within the broadband range. These frequencies, generated by the metal patch layer 1, achieve a 180° phase difference in both frequency bands, which is expressed as two operating frequencies. In a multi-slot structure, different slots 4 couple with each other to form a composite resonant mode. Furthermore, the presence of slots 4 increases the effective inductance and lowers the resonant frequency, thereby extending the lower limit of the operating frequency band, affecting the resonant frequency and achieving a wider bandwidth. At the same time, this improves the coupling efficiency of electromagnetic waves and reduces the quality factor of the metal layer, enabling it to operate effectively over a wider frequency range.

[0022] Furthermore, the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate layer 2 is 3.4, which includes a glass substrate 6 and a liquid crystal material 7 arranged inside the glass substrate 6, the metal patch layer 1 is located on the upper surface of the glass substrate 6, and the solar panel is located on the lower surface of the glass substrate 6.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention relates to an antenna of a glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit based on liquid crystal with dual operating frequencies, wherein the antenna includes a plurality of intelligent metasurface units, and the plurality of intelligent metasurface units are arranged in a 10×10 array.

[0024] As for the array design, the array is arranged in a 10×10 pattern, and the electrical tuning characteristics of the liquid crystal material are utilized. By loading different bias voltages on it, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal changes accordingly, thereby causing the electromagnetic wave passing through the metasurface to produce a specific reflection phase, and ultimately causing the electromagnetic wave to undergo a directional deflection at a specific angle. At the same time, since a glass substrate 6 is used as the dielectric material and a solar panel 3 is used as the base material of the metasurface, during the process of beam steering and signal relaying on the metasurface, sunlight can smoothly pass through the glass substrate 6 and be incident on the solar panel 3, thereby enabling electrical energy to be stored, in order to solve the problem of power shortage caused by the harsh natural environment when working in an unmanned environment outdoors.

[0025] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the form disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. Rather, the present invention is capable of various other combinations, modifications, and improvements, and is capable of modifications within the scope of the concepts described herein, through the above teachings, or through techniques or knowledge in the relevant fields. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit, characterized by: It comprises, from top to bottom, a metal patch layer (1), a dielectric substrate layer (2) and a solar panel (3); the metal patch layer (1) is processed with a plurality of slots (4) and arc-shaped cut corners (5), thereby changing the surface current and electric field distribution of the metal patch layer (1), thereby introducing more resonance modes, and by changing the length and width of the slots (4), as well as the radius size and center position of the arc-shaped cut corners (5), different resonance frequencies are induced, so that the relay metasurface unit can respond to a wider frequency range and generate at least two operating frequency points within the wide frequency band; Different slots (4) are coupled with each other to form a composite resonance mode. At the same time, the slots (4) increase the effective inductance and reduce the resonance frequency, thereby extending the lower limit of the operating frequency band, affecting the resonance frequency, and having a wider bandwidth; The metal patch layer (1) includes a square metal patch located on the periphery and a square metal patch located in the middle; a slot (4) is provided on each side of the square metal patch, a slot (4) is provided in the middle and on each side of the square metal patch, and the four corners of the square metal patch are all subjected to arc-shaped corner cutting (5); The slot (4) provided on each side of the square frame-shaped metal patch is located in the middle of each side, and the depth of the slot (4) is smaller than the width of each side.

2. The liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slot (4) provided on each side of the square metal patch is located in the middle of each side and is not connected to the slot (4) provided in the middle of the square metal patch.

3. The liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dielectric substrate layer (2) includes a glass substrate (6) and a liquid crystal material (7) arranged inside the glass substrate (6); the metal patch layer (1) is located on the upper surface of the glass substrate (6); and the solar panel is located on the lower surface of the glass substrate (6).

4. An antenna for a glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface unit based on liquid crystal, characterized by: The antenna includes a plurality of liquid crystal-based glass-based signal relay intelligent metasurface units as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and the plurality of intelligent metasurface units are arranged in the form of an array.

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