Metasurface-Based Electro-Optic Modulator for Millimeter-Wave Wireless Space-Division Multiplexing Systems

A novel electro-optic modulator with metasurface-based electrodes for a millimeter-wave wireless space-division multiplexing system is proposed. The device employs a simple polarity reversal technique, realized through shifting and meandering the capacitance elements of the metasurface structure. Owing to the transparent property of the metasurface electrodes, the device not only enables millimeter-wave wireless-to-optical conversion but also allows the millimeter-wave wireless signals to pass through the modulator. From the design at 90 GHz, discrimination of SDM channel isolation of ∼3 dB is achieved for irradiation angle differences of 15°, and all channels can operate simultaneously.