January 11, 2024 | Ze Shen; Weili Li; BaoBing Jin; Dixian Zhao
A liquid crystal-based multi-bit terahertz reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is introduced, enabling programmable control of terahertz (THz) waves. The RIS features a 3-bit working state and a maximum phase shift of approximately 270° at 0.28 THz, offering flexibility in THz spatial beam reconfigurations. The device allows continuous steering of a single-beam pattern from 5° to 55°, while also enabling adjustment of beam number and beamwidth. This advancement supports various RIS-aided applications, including THz wireless communications and beyond. The RIS is fabricated using liquid crystal (LC) technology, which benefits from its strong birefringence and compatibility with standard LCD processes. The device is controlled via a programmable phase matrix, with the RIS controller generating bias signals based on the required phase shifts. The RIS structure is simulated using CST Microwave Studio, and the results show that the device can achieve a 3-bit state with a maximum phase shift of 270°. The RIS is tested using a fiber-coupled THz time-domain spectroscopic (TDS) system, demonstrating its ability to steer beams and adjust beamwidth. The device also supports dual-beam and broadened-beamwidth patterns, with the latter covering a wider angular range. The RIS device is fabricated using clean room processes compatible with standard LCD technology, and the measured results confirm its performance. The device's performance is influenced by material properties, particularly the LC extinction coefficient, and the periodicity of the RIS atom. The RIS device is capable of steering beams at a range of 50°, with a switching speed of 160 ms. The study highlights the potential of LC-based RIS devices in THz communications, offering improved beamforming capabilities and compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. The research contributes to the advancement of RIS technologies in the THz regime, paving the way for practical applications in THz wireless communications and beyond.A liquid crystal-based multi-bit terahertz reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is introduced, enabling programmable control of terahertz (THz) waves. The RIS features a 3-bit working state and a maximum phase shift of approximately 270° at 0.28 THz, offering flexibility in THz spatial beam reconfigurations. The device allows continuous steering of a single-beam pattern from 5° to 55°, while also enabling adjustment of beam number and beamwidth. This advancement supports various RIS-aided applications, including THz wireless communications and beyond. The RIS is fabricated using liquid crystal (LC) technology, which benefits from its strong birefringence and compatibility with standard LCD processes. The device is controlled via a programmable phase matrix, with the RIS controller generating bias signals based on the required phase shifts. The RIS structure is simulated using CST Microwave Studio, and the results show that the device can achieve a 3-bit state with a maximum phase shift of 270°. The RIS is tested using a fiber-coupled THz time-domain spectroscopic (TDS) system, demonstrating its ability to steer beams and adjust beamwidth. The device also supports dual-beam and broadened-beamwidth patterns, with the latter covering a wider angular range. The RIS device is fabricated using clean room processes compatible with standard LCD technology, and the measured results confirm its performance. The device's performance is influenced by material properties, particularly the LC extinction coefficient, and the periodicity of the RIS atom. The RIS device is capable of steering beams at a range of 50°, with a switching speed of 160 ms. The study highlights the potential of LC-based RIS devices in THz communications, offering improved beamforming capabilities and compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. The research contributes to the advancement of RIS technologies in the THz regime, paving the way for practical applications in THz wireless communications and beyond.