Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are an emerging transmission technology to aid wireless communication. However, the potential of using RIS to mitigate directed energy weapons (DEW) is not widely recognized. In this paper, we propose to leverage RIS (based on spiral antenna elements) to aid the mitigation of high-energy radio-frequency (RF) sources applied to a DEW. For example, integrating a broadband circularly-polarized antenna system with RIS technology can successfully mitigate DEW attacks across a wide range of frequencies regardless of how the radio waves are polarized. We simulated a spiral antenna that operates within a frequency band of 1.3 GHz to 7 GHz with a 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) covering from 2 GHz to 7 GHz. Full-wave simulation results show the potential promising application of RIS for the mitigation of DEW attacks.
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Radio frequency transmitter based on a laser frequency comb
Since the days of Hertz, radio transmitters have evolved from rudimentary circuits emitting around 50 MHz to modern ubiquitous Wi-Fi devices operating at gigahertz radio bands. As wireless data traffic continues to increase, there is a need for new communication technologies capable of high-frequency operation for high-speed data transfer. Here, we give a proof of concept of a compact radio frequency transmitter based on a semiconductor laser frequency comb. In this laser, the beating among the coherent modes oscillating inside the cavity generates a radio frequency current, which couples to the electrodes of the device. We show that redesigning the top contact of the laser allows one to exploit the internal oscillatory current to drive a dipole antenna, which radiates into free space. In addition, direct modulation of the laser current permits encoding a signal in the radiated radio frequency carrier. Working in the opposite direction, the antenna can receive an external radio frequency signal, couple it to the active region, and injection lock the laser. These results pave the way for applications and functionality in optical frequency combs, such as wireless radio communication and wireless synchronization to a reference source.
more » « less- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10101658
- Publisher / Repository:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- ISSN:
- 0027-8424
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- Article No. 201903534
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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