Low Detectability 6G Communications Based on Reconfigurable Metasurfaces and Skin like Microwave Absorber Materials at Extreme Low Temperatures LoREMA
Abstract
This project aims to develop a set of solutions for improving communication at high latitudes supported by unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs) in the new sixth generation (6G) 6 GHz study band. To do so, a multidisciplinary project consisting of three research teams from the University of Oulu (two teams) and Radai Oy will collaborate to develop the following: Component 1 (C1): a set of novel light-weight and wideband electromagnetic (EM) wave-absorbing material and heat insulation solution for the UAV and electronics; and Component 2 (C2): an innovative reconfigurable metasurface (MS) which will serve as a highly adjustable, high gain and low complexity repeater/transceiver for communications. The long-term aim is at providing a robust and high endurance UAV solution for arctic operational environments based on these components. The final goal of this research is a proof-of-concept of this solution by integratingand optimizing all components for the intended UAV#s context at laboratory scale. The expected novelties of each item are as follows. C1 is to be developed using skin-like lightweight, electromagnetic-absorbing, self-healing materials to result in films/foams which are well matched to air in terms of impedance and aimed for low detectability in terms of radar cross section (RCS). The films are aimed to be thin and self-adhesive and self-healing, while being mechanically rugged and sustaining significant mechanical loads, for example stretching up to several times of their original length. As a result of self-adhesion and #healing, separate pieces of material can be quickly placed together which then forms uniform continuous surfaces to disguise objects from radar. With the help ofheat insulation foams heat signatures will be minimized, while at the same time this hinders the degradation of electronics performance in extreme coldness, thus supporting C2. On the other hand, C2 is to be developed using space-time modulated MS (STM-MS) concept and simple hardware to reduce energy consumption while improving directivity/signal range. This is expected to enable three modes of operation: (i) low visibility mode by switchability of operation between highly reflective states and low reflective states in the surface; (ii) smart tracking mode by retro-reflection, enabling beam tracking back to the original ground station; and (iii) smartcommunication mode by high gain beamforming/steering towards intended direction on the ground. The overall survivability of UAV andoperation of its electronics in extreme temperatures can then be determined based on laboratory evaluations, including possible beam inaccuracies and detectability in terms of EM/RCS. Ultimately, pathways forward on how the solution could be improved by iteratingC1 and C2 will be assessed. This is arguably the first multidisciplinary research of its kind to address challenges of high-altitude communication due to the challenging weather conditions, limited access to these areas, and uncertainty of the satellite signals, while simultaneously reducing possibility of detection by adversaries. Besides that, this solution will provide an initial platform for addressing other challenges in near-future sensing and positioning, navigation, and timing accuracy
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 09, 2024
- Source ID
- N629092412125
Entities
People
- Ping Jack Soh
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Oulu