Scientists Made a Surface That Performs Calculations Using Light Itself

“`html

Researchers at Southeast University in China have developed an innovative programmable surface capable of performing mathematical calculations directly on radio waves as they propagate through space. Rather than converting electromagnetic signals into digital data for processing by traditional computers, the new metasurface manipulates the waves themselves to carry out computations in real time. This breakthrough represents a significant departure from conventional signal processing methods.

The metasurface operates by using time-varying patterns that alter incoming radio waves in precisely controlled ways. When programmed with specific sequences, the surface can execute two fundamental signal-processing operations: Fourier transforms, which decompose complex patterns into their components, and convolutions, which identify known patterns within signals. These mathematical functions have practical applications in technologies such as radar systems, where they help determine object speed and distance.

The system works by reshaping incoming electromagnetic waves through carefully designed tiny structures on the metasurface. Different components of the resulting wave coherently combine to produce calculation results that are carried directly in the outgoing electromagnetic signal. This approach bypasses the need for point-by-point digital processing, potentially offering faster and more efficient computation for signal analysis.

The research team demonstrated that a single metasurface can switch between performing different operations by simply changing its programming sequence. This versatility suggests potential applications across numerous technologies relying on radio wave manipulation, from wireless communications to sensing systems.

“`

Originally reported by Sciencealert →