Wireless microwave-to-optical conversion via programmable metasurface without DC supply

Xin Ge Zhang, Ya Lun Sun, Bingcheng Zhu, Han Wei Tian, Bo Yuan Wang, Zaichen Zhang (), Cheng-Wei Qiu (), Tie Jun Cui () and Wei Xiang Jiang ()
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Xin Ge Zhang: Southeast University
Ya Lun Sun: Southeast University
Bingcheng Zhu: Southeast University
Han Wei Tian: Southeast University
Bo Yuan Wang: Southeast University
Zaichen Zhang: Southeast University
Cheng-Wei Qiu: National University of Singapore
Tie Jun Cui: Southeast University
Wei Xiang Jiang: Southeast University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Microwave-optical interaction and its effective utilization are vital technologies at the frontier of classical and quantum sciences for communication, sensing, and imaging. Typically, state-of-the-art microwave-to-optical converters are realized by fiber and circuit approaches with multiple processing steps, and external powers are necessary, which leads to many limitations. Here, we propose a programmable metasurface that can achieve direct and high-speed free-space microwave-to-laser conversion. Moreover, it supports reverse conversion, achieving bidirectional operations. The programmable metasurface converter is realized by integrating subwavelength microwave resonant structures, MS junction and photoelectric PN junction components together, without connecting any direct-current supplies to provide driving bias. We further demonstrate the enormous potentials of the metasurface converter in cross-media links and develop a full-duplex air-water wireless communication system. Experimental results show that the bidirectional real-time data transmissions and exchanges are established through the air-water boundary. This work represents a decisive step towards microwave-optical interconversion on wireless and battery-free interfaces.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-55940-9

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