A Low-Cost Instrument for Multidimensional Characterization of Advanced Wireless Communication Technologies

Abstract

Exploring the potential of 3D printing in electromagnetic wave manipulation, this paper introduces a novel, cost-effective instrument for microwave metasurface characterization. Metasurfaces, designed to alter wave propagation, are promising tools for enhancing antenna efficiency in advanced telecommunication methods, such as 5G systems. However, their complex profile characterization often poses significant challenges. Our proposed fully automated four-axis instrument, leveraging 3D printing capable of creating complex structures (such as metasurfaces), addresses these challenges by offering an efficient and precise solution. The instrument, costing approximately USD 1550, successfully characterized a metalens designed for modulating 30 GHz signals with a 20 cm focal distance, proving its utility. The 2D and 3D intensity distribution profiles and key parameters (including 8.05 dB gain, 11 cm 3 dB depth of focus, and 2.17 cm full width at half maximum) were extracted. Our measurements notably corresponded with the theoretical diffraction calculations, validating the instrument’s efficacy. This breakthrough significantly contributes to microwave metasurface characterization techniques which are vital for future millimeter-wave communication systems.