What’s the killer application for RF metamaterials?

Metamaterials are innovative, man-made materials engineered to exhibit unique properties rarely found in nature. Composed of composite materials such as metals and plastics arranged in precise, repeating patterns, metamaterials derive their extraordinary capabilities from their meticulously designed structures rather than their base materials. By manipulating shape, geometry, size, orientation, and arrangement, metamaterials can control incoming waves—whether blocking, absorbing, enhancing, or bending them—in ways that conventional materials cannot achieve. This innovative design approach enables metamaterials to influence electromagnetic, acoustic, and other types of waves, opening up new possibilities in fields ranging from optics to telecommunications.

RF metamaterial market

RF metamaterials are engineered to interact with electromagnetic waves within the 600 MHz to 1 THz frequency range. Their potential applications span across telecommunications, security, and aerospace, automotive, and healthcare sectors. IDTechEx projects that the RF metamaterial market will reach US$2 billion by 2034, with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) driving 98% of this growth.

Overview of RF metamaterial market in 2034. Source: IDTechEx – “Metamaterials Markets 2024-2034: Optical and Radio-Frequency”

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)

RIS, an acronym for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces, comprises a 2D array of metasurfaces that can be dynamically adjusted to manipulate the propagation of RF waves in real-time through programmable control, enabling precise interaction with signal waves and guiding them towards intended users or receivers. These surfaces offer a cost-effective and low-power method to significantly enhance wireless communication systems’ energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE).

Typical RIS consists of three layers. The outer layer features numerous metallic patches printed on a dielectric substrate to interact directly with incoming waves. A copper plate acts as an intermediate layer, preventing signal energy leakage. The inner layer houses the control circuit board, which manages the adjustment of each element’s reflection amplitude and phase shift. These adjustments are controlled by a smart controller attached to the RIS, utilizing components such as FPGAs, PIN diodes, resistors, and other integrated circuits.

RIS applications

RIS can be employed across diverse environments to enhance wireless communication capabilities. For example, in base stations, RIS technology facilitates the emission of multiple beams, reducing the need for numerous antennas and increasing base station capacity by multiplexing signals from multiple users. Moreover, RIS can be installed on central beamforming towers in urban outdoor areas to precisely direct cellular signals to specific users, thereby improving signal strength and security through more focused electromagnetic radiation. Transparent RIS variants, when mounted on windows and walls, efficiently steer beams around obstacles, enhancing signal propagation. Indoors, integrating RIS into walls and ceilings improves signal coverage, eliminates dead zones, and enhances overall signal quality by redirecting beams toward users, ensuring reliable connectivity. RIS technology thus offers a versatile solution for optimizing wireless communication performance in diverse settings.

Why is RIS the killer application?

High-frequency communication, such as 5G mmWave and the upcoming 6G networks, offers immense data transfer speeds and low latency but struggles with propagation over long distances and penetration through obstacles like buildings and foliage. Maintaining signal strength and quality becomes crucial for realizing the full potential of these advanced wireless technologies.

RIS emerge as a pivotal technology in overcoming these challenges. By strategically deploying RIS, it becomes possible to redirect signals around obstacles, effectively eliminating coverage gaps and enhancing signal penetration through buildings in a cost-effective and low-cost manner.

A typical RIS structure. Source: IDTechEx – “Metamaterials Markets 2024-2034: Optical and Radio-Frequency”

Benefits of RIS include being able to dynamically adjust signal phases and amplitudes, compensating for propagation losses over extended distances, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of signal transmission in high-frequency bands.

Moreover, RIS contribute to enhancing the Signal-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), thereby boosting signal strength, extending coverage range, and increasing overall network throughput. Their ability to manipulate signal propagation makes them instrumental in optimizing the performance of high-frequency communication networks.

In addition to their technical benefits, RIS operate with low power consumption as they require minimal active components, making them energy-efficient alternatives to traditional relay systems. Their integration into existing infrastructures, such as building surfaces, further simplifies deployment and reduces the cost of establishing robust high-frequency telecommunications networks.

In conclusion, RIS represent a key enabling technology for high-frequency communication in 5G and 6G networks, addressing propagation challenges and optimizing signal performance to unlock the full potential of advanced wireless technologies in terms of speed, capacity, and reliability.

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To find out more about this IDTechEx report, visit www.IDTechEx.com/Meta.