Metasurface Phase Control for Fast Continuous Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently steering and controlling beams for precise directionality, especially in mobile environments where fixed beams are inadequate, leading to resource loss and delay due to the need for extensive beam search and phase shifter-based methods that are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a frequency gradient metasurface and a pulsed laser signal to create a virtual antenna array, allowing for fast beam steering and control of beam directionality without the need for multiple phase shifters, by synthesizing frequency comb signals to focus energy at different focal points, enabling 4D beamforming that changes with time in a 3D space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase shifters are used for beam steering, then beam directionality can be controlled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase control function from individual phase shifters at each antenna element and consolidates it into a single central phase controller that processes signals before they reach the frequency gradient array, thereby eliminating the need for multiple phase shifters while maintaining beam steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency gradient array as an intermediary component between the central phase controller and the antenna elements. This frequency gradient array performs the beam steering function through its inherent frequency-dependent phase characteristics, replacing the need for multiple active phase shifters
2Reliability
If extensive beam search is performed to find optimal beam direction, then communication reliability is improved, but time delay and resource loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by continuously scanning beam directions through the frequency gradient array, allowing the system to adapt to mobile environments in real-time without requiring extensive discrete beam searches, thus reducing time delay while maintaining communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary beam direction prediction based on frequency gradient characteristics, allowing the system to anticipate optimal beam directions before actual communication needs arise, thereby reducing the time required for beam search and acquisition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables very fast beam steering within an effective scan range, reducing resource loss and delay, while maintaining high signal quality and efficiency by dynamically controlling beam directionality without the limitations of traditional phase shifter-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing a frequency gradient metasurface and a pulsed laser signal to create a virtual antenna array, allowing for fast beam steering and control of beam directionality without the need for multiple phase shifters, by synthesizing frequency comb signals to focus energy at different focal points
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification provides a method for transmitting at least one beam, performed by a device, in a wireless communication system, in which the at least one beam is transmitted to another device and a measurement result of the at least one beam is received from the another device, wherein the at least one beam is a beam generated on the basis of a laser signal being incident on the metasurface, the laser signal passing through a phase controller or a delay controller before being incident on the metasurface.