The research, led by Chair Professor Chan Chi-hou of CityU's Department of Electronic Engineering and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimeter Waves (SKLTMW), has culminated in the development of an antenna that can independently and simultaneously manipulate amplitude, phase, frequency, polarisation, and direction of electromagnetic radiation. Professor Chan remarked, "A universal component capable of manipulating all the fundamental wave properties is the Holy Grail for physicists and engineers."

This universal metasurface antenna is poised to revolutionize next-generation communication systems. Its advanced features make it ideal for large-capacity, high-security information systems, real-time imaging, and wireless power transfer. The antenna's inherent direction modulation properties notably enhance privacy and security, marking it as a prime candidate for eavesdropper-proof communications.

Professor Wu Gengbo, a member of the SKLTMW and first author of the paper, explained that the antenna can manipulate information by directly generating the modulated waveform in free space. "We hope that the universal metasurface antenna can work as a simplified information transmitter with low cost, high integration, and low-power consumption," said Professor Wu.

The paper, entitled "A universal metasurface antenna to manipulate all fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves", was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications. Alongside Professor Wu, the paper's co-first author is Dr. Dai Junyan, a former postdoctoral fellow with the SKLTMW. The research also included contributions from Academician Cui Tiejun, Professor Cheng Qiang from Southeast University, Nanjing, China, and Professors Chan, Keeson Shum Kam-man, and Chan Ka-fai from SKLTMW.

This landmark achievement was facilitated through a collaboration between CityU and Southeast University. Professor Chan highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, "The joint expertise and resources from both universities facilitated the successful development of the universal metasurface antenna, bringing together diverse perspectives and knowledge."

The development of the universal metasurface antenna is not just a technological advancement but also a pivotal moment in integrating sensing and communication technologies. Professor Chan envisions exciting possibilities for the future, thanks to this invention. He emphasized that the new features introduced by the antenna pave the way for innovative applications in sensing and communications.

Supporting this groundbreaking research, the Hong Kong Research Grants Council and the Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Big Data Imaging and Communication have played a vital role. Their backing underscores the significance of this research in the field of wireless communications and its potential impact on the development of 6G technology.

As the world steadily moves towards the implementation of 6G wireless communication systems, the universal metasurface antenna developed by CityU represents a significant stride in the evolution of communication technology. Its ability to handle complex wave manipulations with precision and security positions it as a key component in the future landscape of wireless communications.

Research Report:"A universal metasurface antenna to manipulate all fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic waves

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