Solar-powered light-modulated microwave programmable metasurface for sustainable wireless communications

Han Wei Tian, Ya Lun Sun, Xin Ge Zhang, Xin Li, Qian Zhu, Chao Song, Cheng-Wei Qiu, Tie Jun Cui () and Wei Xiang Jiang ()
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Han Wei Tian: Southeast University
Ya Lun Sun: Southeast University
Xin Ge Zhang: Southeast University
Xin Li: Southeast University
Qian Zhu: Southeast University
Chao Song: 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 Programmable metasurface holds big promise in wireless communications by virtue of its powerful capability in controlling electromagnetic waves. However, challenges exist for the programmable metasurface in achieving self-sufficient renewable energy supply and flexible and reliable multi-domain information transmissions. Here, we report a solar-powered light-modulated microwave programmable metasurface (SLMPM) by integrating a photovoltaic module to acquire information from modulated light and energy from sunlight simultaneously. Such an SLMPM enables direct, real-time, and reliable information transmissions from light to microwave domains under direct sunlight exposure, with the flexibility to implement various modulation schemes. Its low power consumption and on-board energy harvesting capability allows for 24 hours of light-to-microwave information transmission with 8 hours of sole sunlight energy input. A hybrid wireless communication system for real-time image transmission is demonstrated to show the outstanding features of SLMPM. We believe that SLMPM can contribute to the sustainable advancement of future wireless communications, rendering them more cost-effective, energy-efficient, environment-friendly, and ubiquitous.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57923-2

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