Stretchable Electronics for 6G Anomalous Reflectors

6G is the next generation of wireless network technologies. 6G signals are millimeter-waves, which are highly prone to blockage from obstacles such as trees or buildings. Due to this, behavior of the wireless environment is highly probabilistic and coverage holes can appear. This project aims to develop a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) which has the potential to mitigate coverage holes and allow for the wireless environment to be more programmable by steering signals. The RIS being explored in this project is an elastic anomalous reflector which can be mechanically stretched to change the direction of beams reflected off the surface. This approach shows promise as it works for millimeter waves, has a fairly large steering range, and is low cost. This project explores optimizations to previous designs of the device in order to increase its beam steering range as well as its reflection efficiency.

This will benefit the Sanada Lab at Osaka University by furthering their progress in research on this RIS. This project will benefit the University of Toronto by bringing unique perspectives and knowledge on 6G technologies, RIS, and metamaterials that may help advance research in related areas.

Faculty Supervisor:

Arthur Chan

Student:

Partner:

Osaka University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: