Dynamically Self-Reconfigurable Multifunctional All-Passive Metasurface.

Reconfigurable metasurfaces have shown their great potentials and are needed in multiple applications, such as radar, wireless communication systems, and security. To date, however, it is challenging to realize low-cost and simple reconfigurable and multifunctional metasurfaces. In this proposed work, we present a low-cost and simple multifunctional all-passive metasurface that achieves a self-switching characteristic relying on a modulating incident wave without additional supporting devices. As proof-of-principle application examples, we realize a prototype of the proposed all-passive metasurface with an antenna for radome applications, that can achieve self-switching operation between a high directional antenna at the transmitting mode, and radar absorbing structure and reflector at the receiving mode. The reported strategy will open up a new avenue for future smart devices and could extend to some smarter applications such as high-power pulse skin protection for electronic devices and self-reconfigurable beam switching metasurface.