CN112805918A

CN112805918A - Cell network design and operation

Info

Publication number: CN112805918A
Application number: CN201980063716.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 雅罗斯拉夫·A·乌尔朱莫夫
Original assignee: Elva GmbH
Current assignee: Elva GmbH; Elwha LLC
Priority date: 2018-08-01
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2021-05-14
Also published as: EP3830954A1; KR20210040412A; WO2020028523A1; EP3830954A4

Abstract

In one embodiment, a signal conversion system includes an arrangement of interacting unit cells. Each unit cell may have one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values for the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies. The interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of the interacting unit cells may be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the unit cells.

Description

Cell network design and operation

All subject matter of the priority application is incorporated by reference herein to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless signal transmission, and more particularly, to techniques for wireless signal transmission using metamaterial transceivers.

Background

Advances in modern technology, network connectivity, processing power, convenience, etc., support an increasing number of interconnected devices, such as mobile devices, cell phones, tablets, smart cars, wearable devices, etc. These advances in turn present new challenges and provide network operators and third party service providers with new opportunities to effectively target, communicate, or otherwise exchange signals between networked devices. In fact, modern methods for wireless signal transmission must often take into account complex conditions and dynamic factors such as network traffic, signal propagation through various media, spectral/frequency constraints of signal transmission, and the like.

Recently, metamaterial devices have been developed to transmit and receive signals, particularly for wireless signals. Such metamaterial devices typically employ large metamaterial arrays that are controlled to achieve desired performance metrics during operation of the metamaterial device. However, as the size of metamaterial arrays integrated into metamaterial devices increases, identifying or modeling configurations and designs of metamaterial devices over a wide frequency range becomes increasingly difficult. In particular, it is difficult to design beam forming metamaterial devices for specific applications while reducing the cost of such devices. Furthermore, as the size of the metamaterial arrays integrated into metamaterial devices increases, it becomes increasingly difficult to control the operation of the metamaterial devices based on optimal performance considerations over a wide frequency range. In particular, it is difficult to achieve fully dynamic beam forming over a wide frequency range (e.g., the acoustic frequency range and the entire electromagnetic spectrum) using metamaterial devices. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods to control the operation of metamaterial devices over a wide range of frequencies. Furthermore, there is a need for improved ways to design metamaterial devices for operation over a wide frequency range.

Disclosure of Invention

In certain embodiments, an apparatus for transmitting or receiving a signal includes a signal conversion system. The signal conversion system includes an arrangement of interacting unit cells. Each unit cell has one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values for the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies. The interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the unit cells.

In various embodiments, a method of customizing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal includes: one or more target radiation patterns of the signal conversion system are identified for the signal. Furthermore, one or more adjustable parameters of the unit cells in the arrangement of interacting unit cells forming the signal conversion system may be adjusted according to the one or more target radiation patterns. The one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies. The interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the unit cells.

In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal includes: one or more adjustable parameters of the cells in the arrangement of interacting cells of the signal conversion system are selected. The one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell at each of the one or more operating frequencies. The interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the unit cells. Further, the signal conversion system may be fabricated according to the one or more adjustable parameters of the unit cell selected for the signal conversion system.

Drawings

Embodiments herein may be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical or functionally similar elements. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication network;

fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary network device/node comprising a source device and a target device;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of communication between a source device and a target device, showing the target device transmitting a reference signal to the source device;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a transceiver showing metamaterial components adjusted according to one or more target tuning vectors of a signal conversion system;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an array of reference points or virtual ports surrounding at least a portion of the transceiver of the source device shown in FIG. 3;

fig. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of a source device showing metamaterial components of a transceiver adjusted to generate a target signal 605 based on one or more target tuning vectors;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of determining an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system for one or more signal conversion system performance indicators;

fig. 8A shows a rectangular lattice pattern of unit cells;

fig. 8B shows a triangular lattice pattern of unit cells;

fig. 8C shows a hexagonal lattice pattern of unit cells.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary S matrix for determining an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of configuring a signal conversion system to meet transceiver system performance criteria; and the number of the first and second groups,

fig. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of a signal conversion system.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure describes improved techniques for configuring the operation of a metamaterial transceiver, metamaterial device, or other suitable tunable signal conversion system. In particular, the present disclosure describes improved tunable signal conversion systems for operating over a wide frequency range, techniques for controlling tunable signal conversion systems to operate over a wide frequency range, and techniques for designing and manufacturing tunable signal conversion systems capable of operating over a wide frequency range. Furthermore, the present disclosure describes improved tunable signal conversion systems for providing full dynamic beamforming over a wide frequency range, techniques for controlling tunable signal conversion systems to provide full dynamic beamforming over a wide frequency range, and techniques for designing and manufacturing tunable signal conversion systems capable of providing full dynamic beamforming over a wide frequency range. Notably, the techniques disclosed herein may be used in various applications, such as wireless communication, heating, wireless power transfer, far-field directed beam, 3D tomography, RADAR, and the like. Although certain applications are discussed in greater detail herein, this discussion is for purposes of explanation, not limitation.

For example, many of the above-described applications may be employed in a communications network environment. In this case, a communication network is a geographically distributed collection of devices or nodes interconnected by communication links and segments for transporting data between end nodes or end devices, such as computers, workstations, mobile devices, sensors, etc. There are many network types available, ranging from Local Area Networks (LANs) to Wide Area Networks (WANs). LANs typically connect the nodes over dedicated private communications links located at the same basic physical location, such as a building or campus. WANs, on the other hand, typically connect geographically dispersed nodes over remote communication links, such as common carrier telephone lines, optical lightpaths (optical lightpaths), Synchronous Optical Networks (SONET), Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) links, or Power Line Communications (PLC), such as IEEE 61334, IEEE P1901.2, etc. In addition, a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a wireless ad hoc network that is generally considered to be a self-configuring network of mobile routes (and associated hosts) connected by wireless links that collectively form an arbitrary topology.

Smart object networks (in particular, e.g., sensor networks) are a particular type of network having spatially distributed autonomous devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, etc.) that can cooperatively monitor physical or environmental conditions at different locations, such as energy/power consumption, resource consumption (e.g., water/gas/etc. for advanced metering infrastructure or "AMI" applications), temperature, pressure, vibration, sound, radiation, motion, pollutants, etc. Other types of smart objects include actuators, which are responsible, for example, for turning on/off the engine or performing any other operation. Sensor networks, as a type of smart object network, are typically shared media networks, such as wireless or PLC networks. That is, each sensor device (node) in a sensor network may typically be equipped with a radio transceiver or other communication port, such as a PLC, a microcontroller, and an energy source, such as a battery, in addition to one or more sensors. Generally, smart object networks are known as field local area networks (FANs), neighborhood networks (NANs), and the like. Typically, size and cost constraints on smart object nodes (e.g., sensors) result in corresponding constraints on resources (e.g., energy, memory, computational speed, and bandwidth).

Some infrastructures that can be used with the embodiments disclosed herein are already available, such as general purpose computers, RF transceivers, computer programming tools and techniques, digital storage media, and communication networks. The computing device may include a processor, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, logic circuitry, or the like. The processor may comprise a dedicated processing device such as an ASIC, PAL, PLA, PLD, FPGA or other custom or programmable device. The computing device may also include a computer-readable storage device, such as non-volatile memory, static RAM, dynamic RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, a diskette, a tape, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, a flash memory, or other computer-readable storage medium.

Aspects of certain embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. As used herein, a software module or component may include any type of computer instruction or computer executable code located within or on a computer readable storage medium. A software module may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as a routine, program, object, component, data structure, etc., that performs one or more tasks or implements particular abstract data types.

In certain embodiments, a particular software module may comprise different instructions stored in different locations on a computer-readable storage medium that together implement the described functionality of the module. Indeed, a module may comprise a single instruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several computer-readable storage media. Some embodiments may be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The components of the disclosed embodiments can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein. Furthermore, features, structures, or operations associated with one embodiment may be applied to, or combined with, features, structures, or operations described in connection with another embodiment. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the systems and methods of the present disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments. In addition, the steps of the method need not necessarily be performed in any particular order, even sequentially, nor need the steps be performed only once.

In certain embodiments, the means for transmitting or receiving signals comprises a signal conversion system. The signal conversion system includes an arrangement of interacting unit cells. Each unit cell has one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values for the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies. The interaction of the cells within the arrangement of interacting cells may be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the cells.

In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal includes: one or more adjustable parameters of the cells in the arrangement of interacting cells of the signal conversion system are selected. The one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values for each unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies. The interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the unit cells. Further, the signal conversion system may be fabricated according to the one or more adjustable parameters of the unit cell selected for the signal conversion system.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary communication network 100, the exemplary communication network 100 including various nodes/devices 200 (described in more detail below with reference to fig. 2) interconnected by one or more links 105 (which represent various communication methods). For example, links 105 may be wired links or shared media (e.g., wireless links, PLC links, etc.), where certain nodes 200, such as routers, sensors, base stations, user equipment, etc., may communicate with other nodes 200 based on distance, signal strength, current operating state, location, etc.

Signal 140 represents a communication protocol using a predefined network, such as some known wired protocol, wireless protocol (e.g., IEEE Std.802.15.4,

Etc.), PLC protocol, or other suitable shared media protocol, traffic and/or messages (e.g., data packets) sent between devices/nodes over communication network 100. In this case, the protocol consists of a set of rules defining the way in which the nodes interact. Further, signal 140 may represent a wireless signal transmitted in accordance with the improved beamforming techniques described herein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of nodes, devices, links, etc. may be used in a computer network, and the views shown herein are for simplicity. Additionally, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that although network 100 is shown with nodes/devices connected to the network, such network is merely illustrative and not meant to limit the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary network device/node communicating over a communication network, such as communication network 100. As shown, the exemplary network device includes a source device 200s and a target device 200 t. The source device 200s and the target device 200t may be suitable signal conversion systems for transmitting and receiving signals, such as the signal conversion systems described herein. As noted above, while the illustrated devices are shown as being configured to operate in a particular environment, these devices are shown for purposes of discussion and not limitation, and further, it should be understood that the improved beamforming techniques described herein may be employed by any number of devices operating in a variety of environments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Source device 200s and target device 200t include similar and/or complementary hardware/software components that support, for example, the exchange of signals over network 100. As shown, the source device 200s and the target device 200t include one or more network interfaces 210s/210t, at least one processor 220s/220t, and memory 240s/240t interconnected by a system bus 250s/250 t.

Network interfaces 210s/210t house the mechanical, electrical, and signaling mechanisms and circuitry for communicating data, for example, over links coupled to communication network 100. For example, the network interfaces 210s/210t may be configured to transmit and/or receive data over various types of wireless communication channels using various different communication protocols, as will be discussed herein. The network interfaces 210s/210t may include metamaterial components, such as metamaterial transceivers, tunable metamaterial elements (e.g., encoders), and so forth. In particular, the network interface 210s/210t may include one or more sub-wavelength transceiver elements having variable impedance, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The memory 240s/240t includes a plurality of storage locations, such as data structures 245s/245t, that are addressable by the processors 220s/220 t. In this manner, the processors 220s/220t include the necessary elements or logic adapted to execute the software programs and manipulate the data structures 245/245 t.

The operating system 242s/242t, portions of which are typically resident in the memory 240s/240t (and executed by the processor 220s/220 t), among other things, functionally organizes the devices by, inter alia, invoking operations in support of software processes and/or services that execute on the devices. For example, these software processes and/or services include operations to support multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications, encode/decode symbols, spatial processing (e.g., precoded symbols, etc.), modulation, demodulation, conversion, amplification, filtering, and so forth.

In addition, the memory 240s of the source device 200s includes an illustrative conversion optimization process/service 244, which may be used to configure signal conversion systems such as source device 200s and/or target device 200t (e.g., transceivers, note that although process 244 is shown in centralized memory 240s, some embodiments employ the process 244 to send and receive wireless transmissions over a distributed network of devices, hi particular, the conversion optimization process/service 244 may configure the signal conversion system by controlling adjustable parameters of the signal conversion system, as will be discussed in more detail later, for example, the transformation optimization process/service 244 may identify and set the impedance level of the variable impedance element of the signal transformation system, to configure the system to transmit wireless signals in a particular direction at a particular or desired intensity level.

The conversion optimization process/service 244 may configure the signal conversion system to operate according to one or more target tuning vectors, which will be discussed in more detail later. Further, the conversion optimization process/service 244 may configure the signal conversion system to operate according to one or more performance metrics and corresponding optimal configurations, as will be discussed in more detail later. The performance indicators may include applicable performance indicators for devices that are transmitting and receiving wireless signals during operation. For example, the performance indicators may include indicators related to steering the transmitted wireless signals, receiving the steered wireless signals, and beamforming the transmitted wireless signals.

The source device 200s may determine an array of reference points (e.g., virtual reference ports) that circumscribe at least a portion of the source device 200s based on the reference signal amplitude of each tuning vector. For example, the array of reference points may be on a per (λ/2) basis²The nyquist sampling rate of one reference point defines the surface circumscribing the transceiver. In addition, the source device 200s may further determine a target tuning vector, e.g., corresponding to an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system,the signal conversion system defines a target radiation pattern based on the field magnitudes of the array of reference points and transmits a target signal from the source device to the target device based on the target radiation pattern. In this manner, the conversion optimization process/service 244 may facilitate use of beamforming signals (e.g., wireless power signals, communication signals, energy beams, etc.) for devices such as devices with metamaterial components. These and other features will be described in more detail below.

It should be noted that various processor and memory types including computer-readable media may be used for storing and executing program instructions pertaining to the techniques described herein. Also, while the description illustrates various processes, it is expressly contemplated that the various processes may be embodied as modules configured to operate in accordance with the techniques herein (e.g., in accordance with the functionality of similar processes). Further, although some processes have been shown separately, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these processes may be routines or modules in other processes. For example, the processors 220s/220t may include one or more programmable processors, such as microprocessors or microcontrollers or fixed logic processors. In the case of a programmable processor, any associated memory, such as memory 240s/240t, may be any type of tangible processor-readable memory such as random access memory, read only memory, or the like, that encodes or stores instructions for program modules that may be implemented thereon. Processors 220s/220t may also comprise fixed logic processing devices such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a digital signal processor configured with firmware containing instructions or logic that may cause the processor to perform the functions described herein. Thus, a program module may be encoded in one or more tangible computer-readable storage media for execution, e.g., using fixed logic or programmable logic, e.g., software/computer instructions executed by a processor, and any processor may be a programmable processor, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gate array), or an ASIC that includes fixed digital logic, or a combination thereof. In general, any processing logic may be embodied in a processor or computer readable medium encoded with instructions for execution by a processor, which when executed by the processor is operable to cause the processor to perform the functions described herein.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram 300 of a communication between a source device 310 and a target device 320. In block 300, a target device 320 may transmit a reference signal 325 to a source device 310 over a network, such as the communication network 100 shown in fig. 1.

Both source device 310 and target device 320 may include network interfaces. The network interface may be formed by an arrangement of interacting unit cells. The unit cell may function to transmit and/or receive signals at the source device 310 and/or the target device 320. In particular, the unit cell may transmit and/or receive waves at source device 310 and/or target device 320 as part of a continuous wave ("CW") signal. The unit cell may be formed from non-encapsulated components (e.g., non-encapsulated electrical and/or acoustic components).

The signal received at the network interface unit cell of the target device 320 may be at least partially converted to a direct current. In particular, signals received at the target device 320 may be converted to direct current to power the target device 320 and/or peripheral devices coupled to the target device 320. Alternatively, signals that may be received at the network interface's unit cell of the target device 320 may be at least partially converted into heat. Further, signals received at the network interface unit cell of the target device 320 may be at least partially converted to sound waves.

The network interface unit cells of the source device 310 and the target device 320 may have one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cells. In particular, adjustable parameters of the unit cell may be controlled or otherwise implemented to change an impedance value (e.g., electrical or acoustic complex impedance) of the unit cell from a first impedance to a second, different impedance.

The interaction of the unit cells forming the network interface of either or both of the source device 310 and the target device 320 may be described using a matrix of interactions, as will be discussed in more detail later. In particular, the interaction of the cells within an arrangement of cells may be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the cells. More specifically, the adjustable parameters of the interaction of the unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells. For example, the tunable parameters of the interaction of the unit cell may be described based on the static parameters of the unit cell (as will be discussed in more detail later) regardless of the actual impedance values that may be achieved in the unit cell based on the static parameters. In another example, the tunable parameters of the interaction of the unit cell may be described based on dynamically tunable parameters of the unit cell, as will be discussed in more detail later, regardless of the actual impedance values that may be achieved in the unit cell based on the dynamically tunable parameters.

The adjustable impedance values of the network interface's unit cells forming the source device 310 and the target device 320 may correspond to the frequency domain mode of one or more modes of each unit cell in the network of unit cells forming the network interface. In particular, the impedance value of the adjustable impedance value of the unit cell may correspond to the operating frequency of the unit cell. More specifically, the impedance values of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells of the source device 310 and the target device 320 may be specific to the frequencies of the signals transmitted and received by the source device 310 and the target device 320.

The operating frequency of the unit cell may correspond to a suitable operating frequency for wirelessly transmitting and/or receiving signals. For example, the signal transmitted and/or received at the unit cell may be an electromagnetic wave, and the adjustable impedance value of the unit cell may be an electrical complex impedance. Further, in this example, the signal may have an operating frequency in a radio frequency band, a microwave frequency band, a millimeter frequency band, and/or a terahertz frequency band. Also in this example, the signal may also have an infrared spectrum and/or an operating frequency in the spectrum. In another example, the signal transmitted and/or received at the unit cell may be an acoustic wave, and the adjustable impedance value of the unit cell may be an acoustic impedance value. In particular, the signal may have an operating frequency in the audible vocal cords (16Hz-20kHz), an operating frequency in the ultrasonic vocal cords (20kHz-100MHz), and/or an operating frequency in the hypersonic vocal cords (100MHz-100 GHz).

The adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include static parameters of the unit cell that remain unchanged during operation of the source device 310 and the target device 320 operating as a signal conversion system. The static parameters of the cell may include the applicable static characteristics of the cell that affect the operating impedance value of the cell in the signal conversion system. In particular, the static parameters of the unit cell may include characteristics of the unit cell that affect the operating impedance value of the unit cell at different operating frequencies of the signal conversion system. The static parameters of the unit cell may be selected during the design phase of the signal conversion system (e.g., prior to manufacturing the signal conversion system) to adjust the impedance values of the unit cell for operation in the signal conversion system.

The static parameters of the tunable parameters of the unit cell may include the geometric parameters of the unit cell. The geometry of the cell may include the applicable physical characteristics of the cell that affect the operating impedance value of the cell in the signal conversion system. In particular, the geometry of the unit cell may include physical characteristics of the unit cell that affect the operating impedance value of the unit cell at different operating frequencies of the signal conversion system. The geometry of the unit cell may be selected during the design phase of the signal conversion system (e.g., prior to manufacturing the signal conversion system) to adjust the impedance value of the unit cell for operation in the signal conversion system.

The geometric parameters of the unit cell may include the characteristics of the material gap in the unit cell. For example, the geometric parameters of the unit cell may include the width of the material gap in the unit cell. In another example, the geometric parameters of the unit cell may include (e.g., when the unit cell is included as part of a signal conversion system for processing electromagnetic signals) whether a material gap in the unit cell is a capacitive gap.

Furthermore, the geometry of the unit cell may include characteristics of the packaging components included as part of the unit cell, for example, characteristics of the packaged electronic component. For example, the characteristics of the packaging components contained as part of the unit cell may include the size of the packaging components in the unit cell. In another example, the characteristics of the packaging components included as part of the unit cell may include the width of the sensing lines associated with the packaging components in the unit cell. In yet another example, the characteristic of the packaging component may include a width of material in the packaging component of the unit cell. In another example, the characteristic of the packaging component may include a width of a capacitive gap in the packaging component of the unit cell.

The characteristics of the packaging components contained as part of the geometric parameters of the unit cell may include any one of the external or internal dimensions or both the external and internal dimensions of one or more packaging components embedded in the unit cell. The outer dimensions of the enclosing component may include the dimensions of the entire enclosing component including the packaging surrounding the component. The internal dimensions of the encapsulated component may include the dimensions of the components contained in the package to form the encapsulated component. For example, the external dimensions of a packaged chip may include the dimensions of the package in which the chip is housed, while the internal dimensions of a packaged chip may include the dimensions of the chip itself.

The static parameters of the tunable parameters of the unit cell may include static electromagnetic properties of the unit cell. The static electromagnetic properties of the unit cell may include the static electromagnetic properties of the unit cell itself as well as the static electromagnetic properties of components of the unit cell that affect the operating impedance values of the unit cell in the signal conversion system. In particular, the static electromagnetic properties of the unit cell may include the static electromagnetic properties of the unit cell itself as well as components of the unit cell that affect the operating impedance values of the unit cell at different operating frequencies of the signal conversion system. The static electromagnetic properties of the unit cells may be selected at the design stage of the signal conversion system (e.g., prior to manufacturing the signal conversion system) to adjust the impedance values of the unit cells for operation in the signal conversion system.

The static electromagnetic properties of the unit cell may include the electromagnetic properties of non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell. Non-metallic inclusions of a unit cell may include dielectric inclusions, liquid crystal inclusions, semiconductor inclusions, and magnetic inclusions. For example, the electromagnetic properties of the unit cell may include an electric susceptibility (an electric susceptibility) of dielectric inclusions included in the unit cell. Non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell may be integrated as part of the unit cell in the background fill of the unit cell. In particular, non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell may be integrated as part of the unit cell in a non-conductive background filling of the unit cell.

Additionally, the adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell that are changeable during operation of the source device 310 and the target device 320 operating as a signal conversion system. The dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include an applicable dynamic characteristic of the unit cell that may be controlled during operation to change the operating impedance value of the unit cell in the signal conversion system. In particular, the static parameters of the unit cell may include characteristics of the unit cell that affect the operating impedance value of the unit cell at different operating frequencies of the signal conversion system. The static parameters of the unit cell may be selected during the design phase of the signal conversion system (e.g., prior to manufacturing the signal conversion system) to adjust the impedance values of the unit cell for operation in the signal conversion system.

The dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include a variable voltage level applied to a voltage dependent element of the unit cell. The voltage dependent elements of the unit cell include elements that use electrical power during operation of the signal conversion system. Further, the voltage dependent elements of the unit cell may include elements having different impedance levels in response to changes in voltage applied to the elements. As described below, the voltage applied to the voltage dependent elements of the unit cell may be controlled to adjust the impedance value of the unit cell during operation of the signal conversion system.

In addition, the dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include a variable electric field applied to one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell. The electroactive elements of the unit cell may include semiconductor elements, piezoelectric elements, electroactive polymers, and liquid crystals. More specifically, the electroactive element can include elements having different impedance levels in response to varying electric fields applied to the elements. As described below, the electric field applied to the electro-active element may be controlled to adjust the impedance value of the unit cell during operation of the signal conversion system.

The dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include a variable magnetic field applied to the unit cell. More specifically, as part of controlling the dynamically adjustable parameters during operation of the signal conversion system, a variable magnetic field may be applied to the unit cell to change the impedance of the unit cell. In addition, the dynamically adjustable parameters of the cell may include the current applied to the magnetic field generating element of the cell. More specifically, the dynamically adjustable parameter may comprise a current applied to a magnetic field generating element interacting with a magnetically active element of the unit cell. Magnetically active elements include applicable elements having properties that change in response to a changing magnetic field, such as acoustic metamaterials. As described below, the electric field applied to the magnetic field generating element may be changed to change the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating element. The changing magnetic field may change the characteristics of the magnetically active element to ultimately adjust the impedance value of the unit cell during operation of the signal conversion system.

Additionally, the dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include a geometric displacement applied to the unit cell. For example, a force may be applied to the unit cell to change the geometry of the unit cell. In turn, the altered geometry of the unit cell may adjust the impedance value of the unit cell during operation of the signal conversion system. In addition, the dynamically adjustable parameters of the unit cell may include dynamically adjustable geometric parameters within the unit cell that may be controlled to actually change the geometry of the unit cell. For example, the components of the cell may be controlled to change the width of the capacitive gap within the cell. As described below, the varying width of the capacitive gap in the cell may ultimately change the impedance value of the cell during operation of the signal conversion system.

The dynamically adjustable geometric parameters within the unit cell may include operational characteristics of one or more electromechanical systems included as part of the unit cell. For example, the mems can be controlled to change the location of dielectric inclusions in the cell. As described below, the altered location of the dielectric inclusions within the cell may ultimately change the impedance value of the cell during operation of the signal conversion system.

The network interface unit cells may form one or more transceivers 311 for transmitting or receiving signals. The transceiver 311 may be implemented by one or more antennas (e.g., an antenna array). One or more transceivers 311 may include an array of metamaterial elements 312. Metamaterial elements 312 may be tunable two-dimensional super-surface objects, where each metamaterial element 312 forms a unit cell. As understood by those skilled in the art, metamaterial elements 312 may include, for example, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, alternative electrical elementsA path component (e.g., a discrete or integrated circuit component), etc. The unit cell can be mapped and/or modeled as a unit cell "N" with a corresponding impedance element "z_a". The impedance elements of the unit cell may have different impedance values based on the values of the adjustable parameters selected for the unit cell.

Furthermore, the metamaterial elements 312 may be passive, active, or variably passive-active, and for a given frequency, the respective impedance elements z may be described by complex values. In this manner, positive integers may be used to describe a portion of the tunable impedance value of metamaterial element 312. Alternatively (or additionally), it is also possible to pass complex vectors

To describe the adjustable values of various adjustable parameters of the unit cell. Although the metamaterial components 312 are represented by a respective one of the elements, it should also be understood that the transceiver 311 may include a common Transmission Line (TL) or waveguide (not shown) coupled to one or more of the metamaterial components 312 via the element.

Preferably, the metamaterial elements 312 form sub-wavelength transceiver elements with a spacing between elements that is substantially less than a free-space wavelength of an operating frequency or frequency range of the transceiver 311. For example, the spacing between elements may be less than one-half or one-quarter of the free-space operating wavelength or frequency, which, as previously described, may include microwave frequencies, very low frequencies, intermediate frequencies, high frequencies, very high frequencies (very high frequencies), ultra-high frequencies (ultra-high frequencies), ultra-high frequencies (super-high frequencies), ultra-high frequencies (extreme high frequencies), millimeter waves, optical frequencies, or acoustic frequencies.

In an example of operation with respect to the adjustable parameters of the unit cell, the target device 320 transmits or radiates the reference signal 325 at any (but sufficient) power level to reach the source device 310. Source device 310 receives reference signal 325 through a series of tuning vectors. For example, the controller 313 (e.g., a processor such as the processor 220s) effectively adjusts the transceiver 311 to different frequencies by adjusting parameters of the unit cell of one or more metamaterial components 312 using the control input(s) 314, individually or collectively, corresponding to the adjustable parameters of the unit cell. In this manner, the controller 313 adjusts the transceiver 311 to receive the reference signal 325 through a series of tuning vectors. In other words, the target device 320 continuously transmits the reference signal 325 while adjusting the tunable parameters of the source device 310 to each tuning vector and/or a series of tuning vectors of the control input 314, as will be described in more detail below.

Note that the adjustment may be a static operation performed during manufacture of the transceiver 311, or the adjustment may be a dynamic process controlled by one or more control inputs during operation of the signal conversion system. Here, the metamaterial unit 312 can be dynamically manipulated in real time to receive signals over a wide range of frequencies and to transmit or radiate signals over a wide range of radiation patterns. The metamaterial unit 312, the number of associated impedance elements "Z" and the number of control inputs (e.g., tunable parameters of the unit cell) may be a ratio of 1:1:1 or X: Y: Z, where X, Y and Z are integers that may or may not be equal. For example, in one embodiment, there may be a 1:1 mapping of impedance elements to sub-wavelength transceiver elements, with only one tenth the number of control inputs.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of transceiver 311, which illustrates metamaterial component 312 adjusted according to one or more target tuning vectors of a signal conversion system. In particular, the signal conversion system may be adjusted to receive the reference signal 325 over a sequence of tuning vectors at the control input 314. Although fig. 4 is discussed with reference to adjusting transceiver 311 according to a target tuning vector, in various embodiments, transceiver 311 may be manufactured and/or adjusted according to an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system, as will be discussed in more detail later.

Here, source device 310 measures the unit cell (N) for tuning vectors and for mapping to individual metamaterial components 312_a) The reference signal amplitude of (a). In particular, based on a reference signal received at the signal conversion system, a reference signal amplitude may be measured, e.g., for a corresponding tuning vector. These field magnitudes are in turn passed at least in part through a series of tuning vectors over a range of frequencies

A radiation pattern for the received reference signal is defined. It is worth noting that the simplest measurement can be made by having one input/output cell (N)_i/o1) where signal amplitude measurements are made for each tuning vector, however, it should also be appreciated that any transceiver may have any number of input/output cells. The tuning vector may correspond to, for example, a characteristic impedance value of the unit cell based on the selected tunable parameters, which may then be used to configure the signal conversion system according to the tuning vector. These reference signal amplitudes are represented by a signal amplitude map 405 and may be used, in part, to estimate a corresponding scattering matrix (S-matrix) 410.

S matrix 410 includes scattering parameters S_NWhich represents the complex magnitude of a field (e.g., electric field) at a particular location in space, through the sagittal vector

Given, it is normalized to the field magnitude (field magnitude) at the corresponding spatial position. Absolute value | S_N| or algebraic appropriate quantity | S_1N|²Quantifying a given spatial location (e.g., transceiver unit cell N mapped to a corresponding metamaterial component 312_a) The field concentration quality. For a large number of metamaterial components 312 forming a large area array, identifying the S-matrix 410 may be very difficult and consume a large amount of time and computational resources. Thus, as will be discussed in more detail later, the S-matrix 410 may be estimated, for example, based on periodic or aperiodic properties of the metamaterial components 312 and corresponding unit cells, to reduce the computational resources and time used to identify the S-matrix 410. More specifically, the S matrix 410 may be estimated using an estimated matrix of interactions that is estimated to reduce the computational resources and time used to identify the matrix of interactions. This, in turn, may enable the signal conversion system to be more easily controlled and manufactured to meet one or more desired performance system specifications for the signal conversion system. More specifically, signal conversion systems with large arrays of metamaterial elements can be modeled, howeverAnd then designed and controlled under the current operating and design constraints.

In operation, source device 310 is based on a series of tuning vectors

The transceiver 311 is adjusted, wherein the tuning vector adjusts the impedance element (z) according to the adjustable parameters of the respective metamaterial unit 312 and the unit cell. The tuning vector comprising N_modVectors, wherein each tuning vector

Partially by length N_tunAnd (4) defining. As understood by those skilled in the art, the tuning vector may be predefined, selected from a list of options, and/or dynamically determined based on additional measurements performed by the source device 310.

Source device 310 may be further based on a vector for tuning

Cell N of known resistance value_aIs used to calculate and evaluate the scattering or S-parameters of S-matrix 410, wherein the Y-matrix is the equivalent inverse of the Z-matrix, such that Y is Z^-1。

The S matrix may be represented by the relationship between the Z or Y matrix and the values of the impedance elements as follows:

where "1" represents an identity matrix of size N.

Furthermore, z may represent an adjustable impedance vector z (converted into a diagonal matrix). The adjustable impedance vector z may be a predetermined vector function of a tuning vector (e.g., a sample adjustment vector). When the adjustable impedance vector z is a predetermined vector function, the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector may be predetermined using applicable techniques. For example, the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector may be predetermined using a numerical model of the arrangement of the interaction cells in the signal conversion system/transceiver. Alternatively, the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector may be predetermined using a series of numerical models for each interacting unit cell in the signal conversion system/transceiver.

The Y matrix may be a predetermined interaction matrix. When the Y matrix is a predetermined interacting matrix, the Y matrix may be predetermined using an applicable technique. For example, the Y matrix may be predetermined using a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells in the signal conversion system/transceiver.

Note that, in general, Z is the number_n＝V_n/I_mDefining impedance values of a Z matrix and scattering parameters of a Y matrix, where V_nAnd I_mRepresenting the voltage at transceiver cell "n" and the current at cell "m" measured with all other cells open. That is, suppose that for all k not equal to m or n, the cell current I_k0. Also for the Y matrix, the measurements were performed with all other cells open, Y_nm＝I_m/V_n. Again, assume that for all k not equal to m or n, the cell current I_k＝0。

The S matrix 410 may represent cell-to-cell transmission of off-diagonal elements in an N-port transceiver, such as transceiver 311. In lossless systems, the S matrix must be unitary. If the element S_nIs a singular value of the S matrix of the same magnitude as the eigenvalue, it can be said that in a lossless system, all S are present_n1. In general, if S_maxIs the largest singular value, then for a passive lossy system, S can be said to be_n≦S_max≦1。

In active systems, these bounds are still true, but S_maxCan now exceed 1, representing the total power gain of at least one propagation path. The Z and Y matrices are diagonal on the same basis as represented by the unitary matrix:

thereby to obtain

Where "d" represents a diagonal matrix comprising complex-valued eigenvalues.

In general, unless otherwise specified

Proportional to the identity matrix, i.e., all cell impedances are equal, otherwise the S matrix will not be diagonal in the U base. In the U-basis, the general form of the S-matrix is:

wherein a new off-diagonal matrix is used

So that:

wherein Y is_dIs diagonal (although not typically exchanged with ζ).

By solving N linear system problems (e.g. Z)_nm＝V_n/I_mOr Y_nm＝I_m/V_n) And the associated open cell conditions described above, the S matrix can be numerically evaluated with any desired accuracy. For linear electromagnetic systems, Finite Element Method (FEM) or Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) based solvers can be used to solve such problems. Examples of commercially available solvers include ANSYS HFSS, COMSOL and CST. These numerical simulations combine various superior effects of near-field and far-field interactions between parts of the system, regardless of complexity.

The values of the Z-matrix may also be mapped to the scattering parameters of the S-matrix by a non-linear mapping. In some cases, the mapping may be expressed as a single or multivariate polynomial. The polynomial may be of relatively low order (e.g., 1-5). The S matrix may include N values and the Z matrix may include M values, where N and M are both integers and equal to each other, such that the S matrix values and Z matrix values have a 1:1 mapping. Any of a wide variety of mappings are possible. For example, the S matrix may include N values, and the Z matrix may include M values, where the square of N is equal to M. Alternatively, there may be a 2:1 or 3:1 mapping or a 1:3 or 2:1 mapping.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an array of reference points or virtual ports 510 that circumscribe at least a portion of the transceiver 311. Here, the virtual port 510 defines a surface covering the transmission hole of the transceiver 311. As described above, these virtual ports 510 may be on a per (λ/2) basis²The nyquist sampling density of one reference point is defined and spaced around the transmission aperture.

The virtual ports 510 represent probes or field sampling points that can conceptually quantify the field strength (e.g., complex field amplitude) represented by the electromagnetic field map 505 at a particular location. Each virtual port may be assumed to be infinitely small in area and/or volume and to be located at a particular radial vector relative to the transceiver 311 and/or metamaterial unit 312

To (3). Preferably, virtual ports 510 are positioned or defined to be at or closer to the Nyquist spatial resolution (half wavelength) and should surround or substantially surround the transmission aperture of transceiver 311 in order to provide sufficient samples for a given electromagnetic field. As discussed in more detail herein, field strengths may be calculated for each reference point or virtual port 510, which may then be used to determine a desired radiation pattern of a target signal by using a signal transduction system (e.g., a signal conversion system designed and/or controlled according to an optimal configuration or one or more target tuning vectors).

As discussed above, in operation, the source device 310 may calculate or estimate the S-parameter based on the known or approximated Z-matrix values and the known target tuning vector (which may correspond to a characteristic impedance value of its unit cell, which may be described by an adjustable parameter, for example). For example, the complex field amplitude at the ith virtual port can be calculated implicitly representing the field value at the corresponding reference point juxtaposed to the virtual port by the following equation:

E_i＝S_i，o*E_o

wherein S_i,oRepresenting the known component of the S matrix (calculated from the known/approximated Z matrix of the unit cell and the known value of the tunable vector), E_oIs the complex amplitude measured at the output port, and E_iIs the complex amplitude at the ith virtual port, which implicitly represents the field value or field strength at the corresponding reference point juxtaposed to that virtual port.

Here, E is measured_oCalculating S_i,o(S parameter/S matrix element). In this manner, the measured complex amplitude is combined with the calculated S matrix values to obtain the field amplitude at the virtual port (e.g., the ith virtual port) where the measurement was not actually taken. In particular, the S-matrix value may be defined as a ratio of complex field magnitudes at different reference points (e.g., virtual points).

The field amplitude may be identified by the analog signal conversion system with reference to one or more signal amplitudes provided according to the specification. In particular, the field amplitude may be identified by measuring the field amplitude of the signal conversion system based on one or more signal amplitudes in a specification provided by the analog field source. Alternatively, the field amplitude may be identified by measuring the field amplitude of the signal conversion system based on one or more signal amplitudes in the specification provided by the field generator.

The number of virtual ports 510 corresponds in part to the tuning vector (N)_mod) The number of the cells. For example, if the number of virtual ports is N_fsIndicate that for N_i/o＝1，N_mod＝N_fsOr greater to ensure that the number of reference points (e.g., data points) is greater than the number of unknowns (N) to be determined_fs)。

Here, the field magnitudes at the virtual ports correspond to the electromagnetic radiation or field pattern represented by graph 505. These field magnitudes are further used to determine the required tuning vector to generate the target signal. I.e., as understood by those skilled in the artSource device 310 tunes the vector based on the desired

To adjust the transceiver 311 to reproduce the reference signal 325 as a target signal (e.g., a phase conjugate signal).

Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic block diagram of source device 310 showing the adjustment of metamaterial component 312 of transceiver 311 to generate target signal 605 based on one or more target tuning vectors (e.g., corresponding to an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system) represented by control input 610 and corresponding S-matrix 611.

As described above, source device 310 determines a desired radiation pattern (here, the radiation pattern shown in electromagnetic field pattern 606) of target signal 605, e.g., for optimal configuration, based on the complex magnitude of the field measured at virtual port 510. In particular, source device 310 determines the phase conjugate of reference signal 325 to generate target signal 605.

To generate target signal 605, source device 310 determines a target tuning vector or an optimized tuning vector

Which makes a given transceiver unit cell (N)_a) The power at (e.g., the transceiver unit cell mapped to the corresponding metamaterial unit 312) is maximized. The optimized tuning vector produces S-parameters of S-matrix 611 that approximate each transceiver cell N at a given operating frequency (e.g., frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum or acoustic band)_aTarget field amplitude of (2). For example, the source device 310 may employ least squares optimization or other techniques to determine an optimal tuning vector that will result in sampling a cell (N) in the field_fs) The complex field amplitudes at are as close as possible to their expected values.

In general, source device 310 may determine the optimal tuning vector by computing an optimized Z matrix using one or more of a variety of mathematical optimization techniques. For example, the best tuning vector may be calculated by finding the best Z matrix based on: complex impedance value z_nOptimization of the impedance value z_nOptimization of complex-valued rootsAnd an impedance value z_nOptimization of the reactance associated with the impedance value of, and/or with the impedance value z_nOptimization of resistivity in relation to the resistance value of (b). In some embodiments, optimization may be limited to only allow positive or inductance values of the reactance, or only allow negative or capacitance values of the reactance, and/or to only allow active or passive values of resistivity.

Additionally, a global optimization method including a stochastic optimization method, a genetic optimization algorithm, a Monte Carlo optimization method, a gradient-assisted optimization method, a simulated annealing optimization algorithm, a particle swarm optimization algorithm, a pattern search optimization method, a multi-start algorithm, and/or a global search optimization algorithm may be used to determine the optimal tuning vectors (e.g., which correspond to the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system). Determining the best tuning vector may be based at least in part on one or more initial guesses. Depending on the optimization algorithm used, the optimized values may be a local optimization based on initial guessing, and in fact may not be a true global optimization. In other embodiments, sufficient optimization calculations are performed to ensure that a true global optimization value is identified. In some embodiments, the returned optimized value or set of values may be associated with a confidence level or confidence value, the returned optimized value or set of values corresponding to a global extremum rather than a local extremum. In some embodiments, a Hessian matrix calculation may be utilized that is analytically calculated using an equation that associates S parameters with the Z matrix and the best tuning vector. In the case of optimization, the Hessian matrix can be viewed as a second derivative matrix of the scalar optimization objective function with respect to the optimization variable vector. In some embodiments, quasi-newton methods may also be employed. In some embodiments, the optimization method may include determining the local extrema exhaustively or almost exhaustively by solving a multivariate polynomial equation and selecting a global extremum from the determined local extrema. Alternative gradient-based methods may be used, such as Conjugate Gradient (CG) methods and steepest descent methods, among others. In the case of optimization, the gradient may be a vector of derivatives of the scalar optimization objective function relative to a vector of optimization variables. These and other methods may be used to determine the optimal tuning vector, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 6, S matrix 611 includes element S_NWhich represents a transceiver cell N_aComplex field quantities (which map to the respective metamaterial component 312) and through radial vectors

Given, normalized to the amount of field at that port. Absolute value | S_N| or algebraically more appropriate quantity | S_1N|²The field concentration quality at that point is quantified. As understood by those skilled in the art, maximizing this quantity (or minimizing in the case of forming nulls) represents a common beamforming algorithm.

For example, when there is only one i/o cell in the Tx, a simplified substitution algorithm may be run instead of 2 d. Using reciprocity, Tx can be analyzed in receive mode. In this case, consider the field sampling cell (N)_fs) The best impedance vector represents the vector that maximizes the power at the i/o port. This is actually a simpler (single optimization objective) inverse problem to solve than a multi-objective problem (or weighted sum of objectives).

As mentioned, source device 310 may use control input 610 corresponding to a sequence of tuning vectors to adjust impedance values to achieve an optimized tuning vector (e.g., corresponding to an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system)

In this manner, source device 310 adjusts transceiver 311 (and/or metamaterial unit 312) to generate target signal 605. As understood by those skilled in the art, the control input 314 may include various types of control signals (e.g., direct current signals, alternating current signals, pulse width modulated signals, optical signals, thermal conductivity signals, etc.).

Furthermore, depending on the manufacturing technology (e.g. 3D printing), the value of the optimal tuning vector may be trivially translated into a selection made to the selectable unit cell mapped to the corresponding metamaterial element 312. As previously described, the cells may be dynamically adjustable or otherwise variable during operation of the signal conversion system, such that there is a non-trivial relationship between the complex impedance of the cell and the excitation (stimuli) of the control cell. In these embodiments, the relationship between the complex impedance of the unit cell and the control input may be based on the magnitude of the applied signal, as understood by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart 700 of an exemplary method of determining an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system for one or more signal conversion system performance metrics. The optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may comprise a configuration of the signal conversion system prior to or during operation of the signal conversion system. In particular, an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may include values of adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of a unit cell of the signal conversion system, such as the adjustable parameters described herein. Furthermore, as previously discussed, the interaction of the unit cells when operating according to the adjustable parameters may be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells.

The flow diagram 700 begins at step 702, where a performance metric of a signal conversion system including an adjustable impedance element is identified. The signal conversion system performance metric may include a metric of applicable expectations or other needs that the signal conversion system meets during operation. In particular, the signal conversion system performance indicators may include performance indicators for the signal conversion system to operate to transmit signals at particular frequencies according to particular target radiation patterns. For example, a signal conversion system performance metric may include transmitting a wireless signal at a particular modulation amplitude and phase to achieve a target radiation pattern. Further, the signal conversion system performance indicators may include performance indicators for the signal conversion system to operate to receive signals, such as wireless signals. For example, the signal conversion system performance metric may include a target reception map for receiving wireless signals within a particular frequency range.

The signal conversion system may be a suitable signal conversion system that can be adjusted (e.g., in operation), such as the device shown in any of fig. 1-6. For example, the signal conversion system may include an array of metamaterial or sub-wavelength elements having tunable characteristics that enable tuning of the signal conversion system. More specifically, the signal conversion system may include one or more adjustable parameters, such as the adjustable parameters described herein, for adjusting the impedance of the unit cell in the signal conversion system. The impedance of the unit cell of the adjustable impedance element may then be adjusted to configure the signal conversion system for a particular operation, for example, to operate according to or meet a performance criterion.

The signal conversion system may include a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells. The periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may correspond to an array of elements in a signal conversion system, e.g., tunable elements in a signal conversion system. For example, each adjustable element in the array of adjustable elements may form a single unit cell of a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells formed on the array of adjustable elements. In another example, a plurality of adjustable elements in an array of adjustable elements may form a periodically arranged single unit cell of geometrically identical unit cells formed on the array of adjustable elements. Each unit cell of the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may be formed by the same number of elements in the signal conversion system at the respective positions within the unit cell for forming the unit cell. For example, each unit cell of the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may be formed by a single adjustable element having a corresponding actual position at the center of the geometric representation of each unit cell.

The periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells included as part of the signal conversion system may correspond to only a portion of the elements of the signal conversion system. For example, only a portion of the array of tunable elements of the signal conversion system may constitute a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells. Further, in this example, the remainder of the array of adjustable elements may form cells that are separate from the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical cells, e.g., form cells that are geometrically different or not in the periodic arrangement. In addition, the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may comprise a major portion of the elements of the signal conversion system. In particular, the number of elements in the plurality of elements forming the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may be higher than a certain threshold number. For example, 90% of the adjustable elements in the signal conversion system may correspond to or otherwise form a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells.

The periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may be periodic in one dimension. For example, the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may include geometrically identical unit cells that repeat periodically along a single axis or direction. Furthermore, the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may be periodic in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional periodic arrangement. For example, the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may include geometrically identical unit cells that repeat periodically in-plane. More specifically, the cells represented by circles 800, which are shown in fig. 8A-C as different two-dimensional periodic arrangements, may be formed as a rectangular lattice, as shown in fig. 8A, as a triangular lattice, as shown in fig. 8B, or as a hexagonal lattice, as shown in fig. 8C. Furthermore, the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may be periodic in three dimensions to form a three-dimensional periodic arrangement. For example, the periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells may include geometrically identical unit cells that repeat periodically within a volume of space. More specifically, the unit cell may be repeated within a volume of space to form one of three-dimensional Bravais lattices.

Alternatively, the signal conversion system may comprise a non-periodic arrangement of unit cells. The cells in the non-periodic arrangement of cells may be geometrically different to create a non-periodic arrangement of cells. Furthermore, the cells in the aperiodic arrangement of cells may be aperiodic in that the arrangement of cells does not exhibit any repeating pattern. In particular, cells in a non-periodic arrangement of cells may be non-periodic in that the geometric arrangement of cells does not exhibit a repeating geometric pattern. More specifically, the cells in the non-periodic arrangement of cells may be non-periodic in that the geometric arrangement of the cells is not periodic in a one-dimensional arrangement, a two-dimensional arrangement, and/or a three-dimensional arrangement.

The aperiodic arrangement of the unit cells can correspond to an array of elements in the signal conversion system, e.g., tunable elements in the signal conversion system. For example, each adjustable element in the array of adjustable elements may form a non-periodically arranged single unit cell of the unit cells formed in the array of adjustable elements. In another example, a plurality of adjustable elements in the array of adjustable elements may form a non-periodically arranged single unit cell of unit cells formed on the array of adjustable elements. Each unit cell of the non-periodic arrangement of unit cells may be formed by the same number of elements in the signal conversion system at the respective positions within the unit cell for forming the unit cell. For example, each unit cell of the non-periodic arrangement of unit cells may be formed by a single adjustable element having a corresponding actual position at the center of the geometric representation of each unit cell.

The non-periodic arrangement of the unit cells included as part of the signal conversion system may correspond to only a portion of the elements of the signal conversion system. For example, only a portion of the array of tunable elements of the signal conversion system may constitute a non-periodic arrangement of unit cells. Further, in this example, the remainder of the array of adjustable elements may form a unit cell separate from the non-periodic arrangement of unit cells, e.g., the unit cells formed in the periodic arrangement. In addition, the aperiodic arrangement of the unit cells can comprise a substantial portion of the elements of the signal conversion system. In particular, the number of elements in the non-periodically arranged plurality of elements forming the unit cell may be higher than a certain threshold number. For example, 90% of the adjustable elements in the signal conversion system may correspond to or otherwise form the non-periodic arrangement of unit cells.

In step 704, in flow chart 700, a cell is modeled as a uniquely numbered cell. The cells may be uniquely numbered with different numbers to enable each cell and the corresponding adjustable parameter of the cell to be identified separately. As part of modeling a unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell, the unit cell can be mapped or modeled as a uniquely numbered unit cell. More specifically, as part of modeling a unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell, each unit cell (e.g., a respective tunable parameter for each unit cell) may be mapped or modeled as a uniquely numbered unit cell.

In a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical cells of a signal conversion system, the uniquely numbered cells may form or otherwise correspond to cells. For example, the first uniquely numbered unit cell may be the first unit cell in a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells. Further, in this example, one or more adjustable parameters of the uniquely numbered unit cells may be modeled, as will be discussed in more detail later, to identify adjustable impedance values of the unit cells within the signal conversion system, possibly at different operating frequencies. More specifically, one or more adjustable parameters of a uniquely numbered unit cell may be modeled based at least in part on the periodic arrangement of unit cells to identify an adjustable impedance value of the unit cell.

In addition, in a non-periodic arrangement of the unit cells of the signal conversion system, the uniquely numbered unit cells may form or otherwise correspond to the unit cells. For example, the first uniquely numbered unit cell may be the first unit cell in a non-periodic arrangement of unit cells. Further, in this example, one or more adjustable parameters of the uniquely numbered unit cells may be modeled, as will be discussed in more detail later, to identify adjustable impedance values of the unit cells within the signal conversion system, possibly at different operating frequencies. More specifically, one or more adjustable parameters of a uniquely numbered unit cell may be modeled based at least in part on the aperiodic arrangement of the unit cells to identify an adjustable impedance value of the unit cell.

For example, in step 704, the cells may be identified or marked as unique cells or periodic cells. In various embodiments, all of the unit cells used for the mock unit cell may be labeled as unique unit cells or periodic unit cells. The cells can be identified as unique cells or periodic cells so that all periodic cells belong to cells having the same geometry. More specifically, only geometrically identical unit cells may be labeled as periodic unit cells.

Cells may be labeled as periodic cells based on whether the cells are labeled as unique cells. More specifically, a portion of the cells may be labeled as unique cells, while the remaining cells that are not labeled as unique cells may be subsequently labeled as periodic cells. Conversely, a cell may be labeled as a unique cell based on whether the cell is labeled as a periodic cell. More specifically, a portion of the cells may be labeled as periodic cells, while the remaining cells not labeled as periodic cells may be subsequently labeled as unique cells.

A cell may be identified as a periodic cell based on its geometric position in the same cell array. In particular, a cell may be identified as a periodic cell based on its position in an arrangement of cells of a signal conversion system. More specifically, a cell may be identified as a periodic cell based on a position of an adjustable element in the array of adjustable elements (e.g., according to an adjustable parameter) corresponding to the cell. For example, if a cell includes an adjustable element in the center of an array of adjustable elements, the cell may be identified as a periodic cell.

When a cell is identified as a periodic cell based on its position in the array of cells, the cell may be identified based on the characteristics of the cells surrounding the cell. In particular, a unit cell may be identified as a periodic unit cell with at least one radius of interaction from any unit cell in an array of unit cells labeled as unique unit cells. Furthermore, a unit cell may be identified as a periodic unit cell with at least one interacting radius from any unit cell in the array of unit cells that at least partially forms an edge of the array of unit cells. The radius of interaction may include an applicable size or dimension defined relative to the size and dimension of a unit cell in the unit cell array. For example, the radius of interaction may include three unit cell diameters of unit cells in a unit cell array (e.g., the same unit cell array).

The unit cells may be identified as unique unit cells based on characteristics of the unit cells, such as physical or operational characteristics of the unit cells. For example, a cell may be identified as a unique cell based on whether it is used as a physical input/output cell for a signal conversion system. In another example, a cell may be identified as a unique cell based on whether it is a virtual port. Additionally, a cell may be identified as a unique cell based on its respective physical location (e.g., the physical location of the respective adjustable elements forming the cell). More specifically, a cell may be identified as a unique cell based on its position relative to an edge of an array (e.g., an edge of an array of tunable elements of a signal conversion system), a terminal, a feed, and other applicable non-periodic structures or elements in the signal conversion system.

Next, at step 706, the signal conversion system is characterized as a network of unit cells with corresponding interacting matrices. More specifically, the signal conversion system may be characterized as a network of unit cells with a corresponding interacting matrix for the network of unit cells, including unit cells modeled as uniquely numbered unit cells. As discussed above with reference to fig. 4, the respective interacting matrices may represent adjustable parameters of the adjustable elements of the signal conversion system, e.g., adjustable parameters of a network of unit cells simulated for the adjustable elements in the array of adjustable elements. More specifically, in representing adjustable parameters of an adjustable element for adjusting impedance values in a network of unit cells, the matrix of interactions may describe the network of unit cells, e.g., interactions of unit cells in the network that are substantially independent of impedance values of the unit cells.

Optionally, at step 708, a matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells is approximated. In approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells, the matrix of interactions can be determined without actually calculating the entire matrix of interactions using an applicable technique (e.g., the techniques described herein). This may reduce the time and computational resources used in ultimately determining the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system. The optimal configuration of the signal conversion system can then be calculated and implemented in a more efficient manner. This is particularly important as the size of the array of adjustable elements (e.g., the array of metamaterial elements) of the signal conversion system increases, thereby making the cost of the optimal configuration calculation higher in terms of time consumed and computational resources consumed. Thus, the approximately interacting matrix may effectively improve the functionality of the computer by enabling the computer to more effectively identify and then configure or design the signal conversion system according to the optimal configuration identified from the approximately interacting matrix without actually computing the entire matrix.

The matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells can be approximated based on the periodicity of the signal conversion system. In approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells based on the periodicity of the signal conversion system, the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells may be approximated based on the periodic unit cells of the network of unit cells simulated in step 704 and contributing to the signal conversion system. Further, in approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells based on the periodicity of the signal conversion system, the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells may be approximated based on adjustable elements (e.g., adjustable parameters) corresponding to the unit cells simulated at step 704.

In approximating a matrix of interactions of a network of unit cells based on periodicity, a subset of the total number of unit cells identified as periodic unit cells may be used to approximate a matrix of interactions of a network of unit cells. For example, a large portion of the matrix of interactions (e.g., more than 50% of the matrix of interactions) may be approximated by estimating a small subset of the portion of the matrix of interactions and repeating the estimated portion throughout the large portion. In case only a small subset of the interacting matrices need to be calculated and then the entire matrix is approximated based on this calculated subset, a lot of computational resources and time are saved, thereby making the control and design of the signal conversion system easier.

The matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells can be estimated based on the periodic cells. In particular, at least a portion of the matrix of interactions may be approximated by approximating diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to periodic cells. The diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to the periodic cells can be approximated by simulating one of the periodic cells. More specifically, a cell can be modeled with periodic boundary conditions applied to the individual cells. Alternatively, diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to the periodic unit cells may be approximated by modeling a periodic repeatable unit cell set selected from among the periodic unit cells. More specifically, a periodically repeatable set of cells can be simulated using periodic boundary conditions applied to the periodically repeatable set of cells.

The diagonal elements of the matrix may be approximated by assuming that the diagonal elements (e.g., tunable elements) corresponding to periodic cells are equal to each other. Based on this assumption, the diagonal elements corresponding to periodic cells can only be estimated once in order to estimate the matrix of interactions. This therefore further saves time and computational resources to initially determine the optimal configuration that would otherwise be used to actually calculate the estimated matrix of interaction or further estimate the matrix of interaction.

The periodically repeatable set of cells of the matrix used to estimate the interaction may include all cells immediately adjacent to a selected cell in the periodically repeatable set of cells. For example, the selected unit cells may include periodic cells in the center of a periodic array of unit cells. Further, in this example, the periodically repeatable group of unit cells may be formed to include all unit cells adjacent to the central periodic unit cell.

In addition, the periodically repeatable set of cells of the matrix used to estimate the interaction may include all cells within the radius of interaction of selected cells in the periodically repeatable set of cells. As previously mentioned, the radius of interaction may include applicable dimensions or dimensions defined with respect to the dimensions and dimensions of the unit cells in the unit cell array. Thus, if a central unit cell is selected, for example, corresponding to a centralized unit cell, a periodically repeatable group can be formed from all units cells within three unit cell diameters from the centralized unit cell.

The matrix of the interaction of the network of unit cells can be approximated based on the unique numbering of the unit cells as periodic unit cells and unique unit cells. More specifically, in step 702, the cells may be numbered based on whether the cell is identified as a unique cell or a periodic cell. For example, cells identified as unique cells may be consecutively numbered before cells identified as periodic cells are numbered. The interacting matrix of the network of cells can then be formed with the elements corresponding to the cells based on the numbering of the cells according to whether the cells are identified as unique cells and periodic cells. Further, in this example, since the unique unit cells are sequentially numbered with numbers adjacent to each other, based on the numbers, the unique unit cells can be represented in an interactive matrix in a specific area within a matrix defined according to the numbers of the unique unit cells. In this example, unique unit cells can also be represented by self-contained and custom areas within the interacting matrix.

Furthermore, the matrix of the interaction of the network of unit cells can be approximated by estimating the non-diagonal elements. The off-diagonal elements of the matrix used to estimate the interaction may include off-diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to coupling between periodic unit cells. Furthermore, in this example, the off-diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to the coupling between periodic cells m and n may be approximated by modeling a periodic repeatable group of cells including cells m and n. More specifically, periodic boundary conditions can be applied to a repeatable set of unit cells to ultimately approximate an interacting matrix using off-diagonal elements. As previously described, a periodically repeatable set of unit cells (e.g., a matrix for estimating interaction using non-diagonal elements) may include all unit cells immediately adjacent to a selected unit cell or within a radius of interaction of a unit cell (e.g., an empirically selected radius of interaction).

The off-diagonal elements of the matrix may be approximated by assuming that the off-diagonal elements are equal to each other and thus estimated only once. More specifically, off-diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to coupling between elements in a geometric translation of a certain configuration (e.g., a periodic or aperiodic configuration of the signal conversion system) may be set equal to approximate an interacting matrix. Based on this assumption, the diagonal elements corresponding to periodic cells can only be estimated once in order to estimate the matrix of interactions. This therefore further saves time and computational resources to determine the optimal configuration that would otherwise be used to actually compute the matrix of interactions or to further estimate the matrix of interactions.

In addition, the interacting matrix can be approximated based on the non-periodicity of the cell network. In particular, the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells can be approximated using unit cells identified as unique unit cells. Either or both of the off-diagonal elements and diagonal elements of the matrix associated with one or more unique unit cells may be estimated to approximate the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells. In addition, off-diagonal elements and diagonal elements of a matrix associated with one or more unique unit cells may approximate one or more unique unit cells by modeling an entire network of unit cells for each of the unique unit cells (e.g., the unique unit cells that make up the matrix).

In step 710, an S matrix is estimated for a cell network of a signal conversion system. The S matrix can be estimated from the approximated interaction matrices. More specifically, the S matrix may be estimated from the interacted matrices using applicable methods (e.g., methods described herein, as discussed above with reference to fig. 4) that calculate the S matrix from the interacted matrices. In addition, the S matrix can be estimated from the matrix of interactions estimated for the network of unit cells and the characteristic impedance values of the unit cells.

Fig. 9 illustrates an exemplary S-matrix 900 for determining an optimal configuration of a signal conversion system. The S matrix 900 includes a unique block of unit cells 902 and periodic blocks of unit cells 904. As shown in fig. 9, both a unique unit cell block 902 and a periodic unit cell block 904 may be self-contained within the S-matrix 900. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9, periodic cell blocks 904 and unique cell blocks 902 may be separated from each other.

Unique unit cells of a unit cell and periodic unit cells of a unit cell may be numbered, for example, at step 704, to create corresponding blocks of periodic unit cells 904 and unique unit cells 902. More specifically, in one or both of

steps

706 and 708, the interacting matrix may be characterized and then approximated based on the periodic unit cells and unique unit cell numbers to form corresponding periodic unit cell block regions and unique unit cell block regions in the interacting matrix. Subsequently, at step 710, an S matrix having periodic cell blocks 904 and unique cell blocks 902 can be estimated from the interacting matrix based on the corresponding periodic cell block areas and unique cell block areas in the interacting matrix.

At step 712, the performance indicators are quantized using the estimated S matrix of the cell network. The performance indicators may be quantified to identify adjustable parameters of the signal conversion system that may be adjusted or otherwise controlled to achieve the performance indicators. For example, an estimated S matrix based on a network of unit cells, which may be identified to change an adjustable parameter of the signal conversion system, e.g., to change an adjustable element of the signal conversion system, to achieve a performance metric.

At step 714, an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system for the performance metric is identified. An optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be determined for a performance metric based on a response of the signal conversion system to a variable impedance (e.g., a variable impedance of a unit cell of the signal conversion system). More specifically, one or both of the interacting matrix and the S matrix of the network of unit cells (e.g., when the S matrix is used to quantify a performance metric) may be used to determine an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system for the performance metric. The identified optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may include values of adjustable parameters of the cells in the network of cells.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart 1000 of an exemplary method of designing a structure of a signal conversion system to meet performance criteria. The flow diagram 1000 begins at step 1002 where a preliminary structure of a signal conversion system including unit cells is identified at step 1002. The unit cell may include one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies of the signal conversion system. Furthermore, as previously discussed, the interaction of the unit cells when operating according to the adjustable parameters may be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells.

The flow diagram 1000 continues to step 1004 where a performance index for the signal conversion system is identified in step 1004. As previously discussed, the performance indicators may include desired performance indicators that are met by the signal conversion system in operation.

Flow diagram 1000 continues to step 1006 where an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined for the performance metric in step 1006. The optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be determined for the performance indicators using applicable methods of identifying the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system, such as the methods described herein. More specifically, the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be determined using a suitable method (e.g., the method represented by flowchart 700 shown in FIG. 7) that uses an interacting matrix to identify the optimal configuration of the tunable system. The optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may correspond to and may be determined based on the preliminary structure of the signal conversion system. For example, the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be determined from an impedance matrix estimated for a unit cell network modeling a preliminary structure of the signal conversion system.

The flow diagram 1000 continues to step 1008 where, in step 1008, a global limit for the performance metric is identified. The global limit for the performance metric may include a value of an adjustable parameter of the signal conversion system that is acceptable for still globally satisfying the performance metric across one or more different signal conversion systems. For example, the global limits of the performance indicator may include a range of frequencies over which wireless signals may still be transmitted and/or received.

The flowchart 1000 continues to step 1010 where the preliminary structure and optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is received based on the global limits of the performance indicators in step 1010. More specifically, a preliminary structure and optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be accepted if the global limit of the performance metric exceeds a desired threshold performance metric of the signal conversion system. The desired threshold performance level of the signal conversion system may correspond to a preliminary structure of the signal conversion system. More specifically, the desired threshold performance level for the signal conversion system may include a performance level that can be achieved by the tunable transceiver structure at the initial structure according to an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system.

Although not shown in flowchart 1000, if the configuration and/or optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is not accepted, the preliminary configuration of the signal conversion system may then be changed to identify the changed configuration of the signal conversion system. For example, the adjustable parameters of the signal conversion system and/or the values of the adjustable parameters may be changed if the structure and/or the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is not accepted. Subsequently, another optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be identified with respect to the performance index of the altered structure of the signal conversion system. Then, if the global limit of the performance metric exceeds a desired threshold performance metric of the signal conversion system corresponding to the altered configuration of the signal conversion system, the altered configuration of the signal conversion system and another optimal configuration of the signal conversion system may be accepted. This process may be repeated until the configuration of the signal conversion system and the corresponding optimal configuration of the configuration are actually accepted.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic block diagram of a signal conversion system 1100. The signal conversion system 1100 may operate in accordance with a suitable signal conversion system (e.g., a source device and a target device such as those described herein). Further, the signal conversion system 1100 may be controlled or manufactured according to an optimal configuration identified by an applicable technique (e.g., the techniques described herein). Additionally, signal conversion system 1100 may be controlled or manufactured according to one or more target tuning vectors identified by applicable techniques (e.g., the techniques described herein).

The signal conversion system 1100 includes a plurality of metamaterial layers 1102. The plurality of metamaterial layers 1102 may include a first metamaterial layer 1102-1, a second metamaterial layer 1102-2, and additional metamaterial layers 1102-n, e.g., a third metamaterial layer. The plurality of metamaterial layers 1102 may be formed as part of a transceiver for transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals. For example, the plurality of metamaterial layers 1102 may be formed as part of an applicable network interface, such as the network interfaces of the source and target devices described herein.

The plurality of metamaterial layers 1102 may include or be modeled as an arrangement of interacting unit cells. The interacting unit cells of the plurality of metamaterial layers 1102 may have one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cells. Further, the interaction of the unit cells in the plurality of metamaterial layers 1102 may be described by a matrix of one or more interactions that are substantially independent of the tunable impedance values of the unit cells.

The first metamaterial layer 1102-1 may be used as an illumination pattern generator. In particular, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 can transmit signals received as a lighting pattern from a feed. More specifically, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 can transmit a signal received from a feed as a selected lighting pattern by adjusting an adjustable parameter of a unit cell included as part of the first metamaterial layer 1102-1. Further, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 can be moved, such as rotated about an axis. While moving about the axis, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 can rotate a beam pattern about the axis, such as a beam pattern of an illumination pattern sent through the first metamaterial layer 1102-1.

The second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can be a beamforming multi-holographic medium configured to transmit a 3D field distribution based on a reconstructed light beam received as an illumination parameter from the first metamaterial layer. In particular, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 can generate a 3D field distribution with different 2D slices, which serve as different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer 1102-2. The second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can then transmit the output beam based on one or a combination of the plurality of 2D slices acting as different received hologram reconstruction beams and/or adjustable parameters of the second metamaterial layer 1102-2.

The second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can use a plurality of different holograms to create an output beam pattern. In particular, the second material layer 1102-2 may use a plurality of different holograms that may be retrieved using different hologram reconstruction beam patterns created by the first metamaterial layer 1102-1. For example, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 may be configured to create a particular reconstruction beam pattern incident on the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 such that the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 produces a particular output beam pattern, e.g., retrieve a particular hologram. The holograms may be stored as different holograms at the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 to allow for the creation of selective output beam patterns.

Further, the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 may be displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1. In particular, the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can be displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 to generate different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer 1102-2. For example, the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can be shifted relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 to achieve different 2D slices of the 3D field distribution generated by the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 at the second metamaterial layer 1102-2. As part of shifting the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1, the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can be rotated relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1. For example, the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 may be displaced in a direction relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 by rotating the layer 1102-2 or translating the layer 1102-2.

In various embodiments, the plurality of layers may also include a third metamaterial layer, such as metamaterial layers 1102-n. When a third metamaterial layer is used, the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 and the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 can collectively include an illumination pattern generator. Further, the third metamaterial layer may be used as a beam forming multi-holographic medium. In particular, all three metamaterial layers may include a multi-holographic medium. The third metamaterial layer may be shifted relative to the first metamaterial layer 1102-1 and the second metamaterial layer 1102-2 to transmit and/or receive signals, such as beamformed transmit signals.

Thus, the techniques described herein may provide efficient techniques for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals over a wide range of frequencies. Further, thus, the techniques described herein may provide efficient techniques for beamforming signals over a wide frequency range (e.g., utilizing metamaterial transceiver components). These techniques specifically exploit the reciprocity (time invariance) of the electromagnetic propagation channel, which offers unique and flexible advantages over traditional signal transmission techniques (e.g., full channel detection algorithms found in MIMO systems, etc.), by using tunable metamaterial components on the source device without being "contaminated" by non-time invariant components (e.g., EM non-linear and DC magnetic field generators). Importantly, these techniques can be employed by a single source device in which the target device need only transmit the reference signal periodically (or on demand).

While illustrative embodiments have been shown and described that provide beamformed signals between a source device and a target device, it is to be understood that various other adaptations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the embodiments herein. For example, embodiments have been shown and described herein in which specific tunable metamaterial configurations/components are tied to a source device. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments are not limited in their broadest sense to such configurations/components, and may in fact be used with any number of devices and similar configurations. Thus, it should be understood that features, structures, or operations associated with one embodiment may be applicable to, or combined with, features, structures, or operations described in connection with another embodiment of the disclosure. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

Aspects of the invention are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

1. an apparatus for transmitting or receiving a signal, comprising:

a signal conversion system comprising an arrangement of interacting unit cells, wherein each unit cell has one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies, and the interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells.

2. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal comprises a Continuous Wave (CW) signal.

3. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each unit cell of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

4. The apparatus of clause 3, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

5. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a radio frequency band.

6. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a microwave band.

7. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a millimeter frequency band.

8. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the terahertz frequency band.

9. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the infrared spectrum.

10. The apparatus of clause 4, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the optical spectrum.

11. The apparatus of clause 3, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

12. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the audible acoustic band (16Hz-20 kHz).

13. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the ultrasonic frequency band (20kHz-100 MHz).

14. The apparatus of clause 11, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the super-sonic band (100MHz-100 GHz).

15. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter of the signal.

16. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a receiver of the signal.

17. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system functions as both a transmitter and a receiver of the signal.

18. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter of an electromagnetic field.

19. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter and transducer of an electromagnetic field.

20. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transducer of an electromagnetic field.

21. The apparatus of clause 20, wherein the conversion of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms a direct current.

22. The apparatus of clause 20, wherein the transformation of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms heat.

23. The apparatus of clause 20, wherein the conversion of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms an acoustic wave.

24. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are selectable during a design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

25. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more geometric parameters are selected in the design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

26. The apparatus of clause 25, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include a width of a material gap in the unit cell, and the width of the material gap is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

27. The apparatus of clause 26, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic signal and the material gap is a capacitive gap.

28. The apparatus of clause 25, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include dimensions of one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell, and the dimensions are selected to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell during the design phase.

29. The apparatus of clause 28, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a sense line in the unit cell, and the width of the sense line is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

30. The apparatus of clause 28, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a material gap in the encapsulated components, and the width of the material gap is selected in the design phase to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

31. The apparatus of clause 30, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a capacitive gap in the encapsulated components, and the width of the capacitive gap is selected in the design phase to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

32. The apparatus of clause 25, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include external or internal dimensions of one or more encapsulated components embedded in the unit cell, and the dimensions are selected during the design phase to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

33. The apparatus of clause 24, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more electromagnetic properties of non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell, and the one or more properties of the non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell are selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

34. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are dielectric inclusions.

35. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are liquid crystal inclusions.

36. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are semiconductor inclusions.

37. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are magnetic inclusions.

38. The apparatus of clause 33, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are included as part of a non-conductive background fill of the unit cell.

39. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are dynamically adjustable to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

40. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters include one or more voltages applied to one or more voltage dependent elements of the unit cell, and the one or more voltages are dynamically adjusted to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

41. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more electric fields applied to one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell, and the one or more electric fields are dynamically adjusted to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

42. The device of clause 41, wherein the one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell are semiconductor elements.

43. The device of clause 41, wherein the one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell are piezoelectric elements.

44. The device of clause 41, wherein the one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell comprise an electroactive polymer.

45. The device of clause 41, wherein the one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell comprise liquid crystals.

46. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more currents applied to one or more magnetic field generating elements interacting with one or more magnetically active elements of the unit cell, and dynamically adjusting the one or more currents to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

47. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more magnetic fields applied to the unit cell, and the one or more magnetic fields are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

48. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric displacements applied to the unit cell, and the one or more geometric displacements are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

49. The apparatus of clause 39, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

50. The apparatus of clause 49, wherein the dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell include operating characteristics of one or more electromechanical systems included as part of the unit cell.

51. The device of clause 1, wherein the unit cell is a non-encapsulated component.

52. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal conversion system comprises a plurality of metamaterial layers including a first metamaterial layer and a second metamaterial layer.

53. The apparatus of clause 52, wherein the plurality of metamaterial layers are rotated about an axis to rotate a beam pattern of the signal conversion system about the axis.

54. The apparatus of clause 52, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

55. The apparatus of clause 54, wherein the first metamaterial layer generates a 3D field distribution with different 2D slices, the different 2D slices serving as different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer.

56. The apparatus of clause 55, wherein the second metamaterial layer stores a plurality of different holograms, and the different holograms are retrievable using different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer and produced by the first metamaterial layer.

57. The apparatus of clause 54, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer to produce a different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer, and wherein the second metamaterial layer further stores a plurality of different holograms, and the different holograms are retrievable using the different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer and produced by the first metamaterial layer.

58. The device of clause 57, wherein the displacement of the second metamaterial layer relative to the first metamaterial layer comprises rotation about an axis.

59. The device of clause 57, wherein the displacement of the second metamaterial layer relative to the first metamaterial layer comprises a translation in a direction.

60. The device of clause 52, wherein the plurality of metamaterial layers further comprises a third metamaterial layer.

61. The apparatus of clause 60, wherein the first metamaterial layer and the second metamaterial layer together comprise an illumination pattern generator, and the third metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

62. The apparatus of clause 60, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator, and the second and third metamaterial layers collectively comprise a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

63. The device of clause 60, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer and the third metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the second metamaterial layer.

64. The device of clause 1, wherein the signal includes a wave of transmit power.

65. The apparatus of clause 1, wherein the signal comprises a wave for communication.

66. A method of customizing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal, the method comprising:

identifying one or more target radiation patterns of the signal conversion system for the signal; and

adjusting one or more adjustable parameters of interacting unit cells forming the signal conversion system in an arrangement of the unit cells according to the one or more target radiation patterns, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cells at each of one or more operating frequencies, and the interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells.

67. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal comprises a Continuous Wave (CW) signal.

68. The method of clause 66, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

69. The method of clause 68, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

70. The method of clause 69, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a radio frequency band.

71. The method of clause 69, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the microwave band.

72. The method of clause 69, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the millimeter-wave band.

73. The method of clause 69, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the terahertz frequency band.

74. The method of clause 69, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the infrared spectrum.

75. The method of clause 69, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the optical spectrum.

76. The method of clause 68, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

77. The method of clause 76, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the audible acoustic band (16Hz-20 kHz).

78. The method of clause 76, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the ultrasonic frequency band (20kHz-100 MHz).

79. The method of clause 76, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the super acoustic band (100MHz-100 GHz).

80. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter of the signal.

81. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a receiver of the signal.

82. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal conversion system functions as both a transmitter and a receiver of the signal.

83. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal conversion system is used as a transmitter of an electromagnetic field.

84. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter and transducer of an electromagnetic field.

85. The method of clause 66, wherein the signal conversion system is used as a transducer of an electromagnetic field.

86. The method of clause 85, wherein the converting of the electromagnetic field forms, at least in part, a direct current.

87. The method of clause 85, wherein the converting of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms heat.

88. The method of clause 85, wherein the conversion of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms an acoustic wave.

89. The method of clause 66, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are selectable during a design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

90. The method of clause 89, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more geometric parameters are selected in the design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

91. The method of clause 90, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include a width of a material gap in the unit cell, and the width of the material gap is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

92. The method of clause 91, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic signal and the material gap is a capacitive gap.

93. The method of clause 90, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include dimensions of one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell, and the dimensions are selected to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell during the design phase.

94. The method of clause 93, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a sense line in the unit cell, and the width of the sense line is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

95. The method of clause 93, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a material gap in the encapsulated components, and the width of the material gap is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

96. The method of clause 95, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a capacitive gap in the encapsulated component, and the width of the capacitive gap is selected in the design phase to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

97. The method of clause 90, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include external or internal dimensions of one or more encapsulated components embedded in the unit cell, and the dimensions are selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

98. The method of clause 89, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters include one or more electromagnetic properties of non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell, and the one or more properties of the non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell are selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

99. The method of clause 98, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are dielectric inclusions.

100. The method of clause 98, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are liquid crystal inclusions.

101. The method of clause 98, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are semiconductor inclusions.

102. The method of clause 98, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are magnetic inclusions.

103. The method of clause 98, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are included as part of a non-conductive background fill of the unit cell.

104. The method of clause 66, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are dynamically adjustable to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

105. The method of clause 104, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more voltages applied to one or more voltage dependent elements of the unit cell, and the one or more voltages are dynamically adjusted to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

106. The method of clause 104, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more electric fields applied to one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell, and the one or more electric fields are dynamically adjusted to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

107. The method of clause 106, wherein the one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell are semiconductor elements.

108. The method of clause 106, wherein the one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell are piezoelectric elements.

109. The method of clause 106, wherein the one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell comprise an electroactive polymer.

110. The method of clause 106, wherein the one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell comprise a liquid crystal.

111. The method of clause 104, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more currents applied to one or more magnetic field generating elements interacting with one or more magnetically active elements of the unit cell, and dynamically adjusting the one or more currents to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

112. The method of clause 104, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more magnetic fields applied to the unit cell, and the one or more magnetic fields are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

113. The method of clause 104, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric displacements applied to the unit cell, and the one or more geometric displacements are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

114. The method of clause 104, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

115. The method of clause 114, wherein the dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell include operating characteristics of one or more electromechanical systems included as part of the unit cell.

116. The method of clause 66, wherein the unit cell is a non-encapsulated component.

117. The method of clause 106, wherein the signal conversion system comprises a plurality of metamaterial layers, the plurality of metamaterial layers comprising a first metamaterial layer and a second metamaterial layer.

118. The method of clause 117, wherein the plurality of metamaterial layers are rotated about an axis to rotate a beam pattern of the signal conversion system about the axis.

119. The method of clause 117, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

120. The method of clause 119, wherein the first metamaterial layer generates a 3D field distribution with different 2D slices, the different 2D slices serving as different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer.

121. The method of clause 120, wherein the second metamaterial layer stores a plurality of different holograms, and the different holograms are retrievable using different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer and produced by the first metamaterial layer.

122. The method of clause 119, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer to generate a different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer, and wherein the second metamaterial layer further stores a plurality of different holograms, and the different holograms are retrievable using the different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer and generated by the first metamaterial layer.

123. The method of clause 122, wherein the displacement of the second metamaterial layer relative to the first metamaterial layer comprises rotation about an axis.

124. The method of clause 122, wherein the displacement of the second metamaterial layer relative to the first metamaterial layer comprises a translation in a direction.

125. The method of clause 117, wherein the plurality of metamaterial layers further comprises a third metamaterial layer.

126. The method of clause 125, wherein the first metamaterial layer and the second metamaterial layer together comprise an illumination pattern generator, and the third metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

127. The method of clause 125, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second and third metamaterial layers collectively comprise a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

128. The method of clause 125, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer and the third metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the second metamaterial layer.

129. A method of manufacturing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal, the method comprising:

selecting one or more adjustable parameters of an arrangement of interacting unit cells of the signal conversion system, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cells at each of one or more operating frequencies, and the interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells, and

fabricating the signal conversion system according to the one or more adjustable parameters of the unit cell selected for the signal conversion system.

130. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal comprises a Continuous Wave (CW) signal.

131. The method of clause 129, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

132. The method of clause 131, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

133. The method of clause 132, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a radio frequency band.

134. The method of clause 132, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the microwave band.

135. The method of clause 132, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the millimeter-wave band.

136. The method of clause 132, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the terahertz frequency band.

137. The method of clause 132, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the infrared spectrum.

138. The method of clause 132, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the optical spectrum.

139. The method of clause 131, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic impedance.

140. The method of clause 139, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the audible sound band (16Hz-20 kHz).

141. The method of clause 139, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the ultrasonic frequency band (20kHz-100 MHz).

142. The method of clause 139, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the super acoustic band (100MHz-100 GHz).

143. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter of the signal.

144. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a receiver of the signal.

145. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system functions as both a transmitter and a receiver of the signal.

146. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter of an electromagnetic field.

147. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system functions as a transmitter and transducer of an electromagnetic field.

148. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system is used as a transducer of an electromagnetic field.

149. The method of clause 148, wherein the converting of the electromagnetic field forms, at least in part, a direct current.

150. The method of clause 148, wherein the transformation of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms heat.

151. The method of clause 148, wherein the conversion of the electromagnetic field at least partially forms an acoustic wave.

152. The method of clause 129, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are selectable during a design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

153. The method of clause 152, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more geometric parameters are selected in the design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

154. The method of clause 153, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include a width of a material gap in the unit cell, and the width of the material gap is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

155. The method of clause 154, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic signal and the material gap is a capacitive gap.

156. The method of clause 153, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include dimensions of one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell, and the dimensions are selected to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell during the design phase.

157. The method of clause 156, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a sense line in the unit cell, and the width of the sense line is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

158. The method of clause 156, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a material gap in the encapsulated components, and the width of the material gap is selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

159. The method of clause 158, wherein the dimensions of the one or more encapsulated components in the unit cell include a width of a capacitive gap in the encapsulated component, and the width of the capacitive gap is selected in the design phase to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

160. The method of clause 153, wherein the one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell include external or internal dimensions of one or more encapsulated components embedded in the unit cell, and the dimensions are selected during the design phase to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

161. The method of clause 152, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more electromagnetic properties of non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell, and the one or more properties of the non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell are selected at the design stage to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

162. The method of clause 161, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are dielectric inclusions.

163. The method of clause 161, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are liquid crystal inclusions.

164. The method of clause 161, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are semiconductor inclusions.

165. The method of clause 161, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are magnetic inclusions.

166. The method of clause 161, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are included as part of a non-conductive background fill of the unit cell.

167. The method of clause 129, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are dynamically adjustable to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

168. The method of clause 167, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters include one or more voltages applied to one or more voltage dependent elements of the unit cell, and the one or more voltages are dynamically adjusted to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

169. The method of clause 167, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more electric fields applied to one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell, and the one or more electric fields are dynamically adjusted to adjust one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

170. The method of clause 169, wherein the one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell are semiconductor elements.

171. The method of clause 169, wherein the one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell are piezoelectric elements.

172. The method of clause 169, wherein the one or more electroactive elements of the unit cell comprise an electroactive polymer.

173. The method of clause 169, wherein the one or more electro-active elements of the unit cell comprise liquid crystal.

174. The method of clause 167, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more currents applied to one or more magnetic field generating elements interacting with one or more magnetically active elements of the unit cell, and dynamically adjusting the one or more currents to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

175. The method of clause 167, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more magnetic fields applied to the unit cell, and the one or more magnetic fields are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

176. The method of clause 167, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric displacements applied to the unit cell, and the one or more geometric displacements are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

177. The method of clause 167, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell are dynamically adjusted to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

178. The method of clause 177, wherein the dynamically adjustable geometric parameters of the unit cell include operating characteristics of one or more electromechanical systems included as part of the unit cell.

179. The method of clause 129, wherein the unit cell is a non-encapsulated component.

180. The method of clause 129, wherein the signal conversion system comprises a plurality of metamaterial layers, the plurality of metamaterial layers comprising a first metamaterial layer and a second metamaterial layer.

181. The method of clause 180, wherein the plurality of metamaterial layers are rotated about an axis to rotate a beam pattern of the signal conversion system about the axis.

182. The method of clause 180, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

183. The method of clause 182, wherein the first metamaterial layer generates a 3D field distribution with different 2D slices, the different 2D slices serving as different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer.

184. The method of clause 183, wherein the second metamaterial layer stores a plurality of different holograms, and the different holograms are retrievable using different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer and produced by the first metamaterial layer.

185. The method of clause 182, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer to generate a different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer, and wherein the second metamaterial layer further stores a plurality of different holograms, and the different holograms are retrievable using the different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer and generated by the first metamaterial layer.

186. The method of clause 185, wherein the displacement of the second metamaterial layer relative to the first metamaterial layer comprises rotation about an axis.

187. The method of clause 185, wherein the displacement of the second metamaterial layer relative to the first metamaterial layer comprises a translation in a direction.

188. The method of clause 180, wherein the plurality of metamaterial layers further comprises a third metamaterial layer.

189. The method of clause 188, wherein the first metamaterial layer and the second metamaterial layer together comprise an illumination pattern generator, and the third metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

190. The method of clause 188, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second and third metamaterial layers collectively comprise a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

191. The method of clause 188, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer and the third metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the second metamaterial layer.

192. An apparatus for transmitting or receiving a signal, comprising:

a signal conversion system comprising an arrangement of interacting unit cells, wherein each unit cell has one or more adjustable parameters that are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies, and the interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of interacting unit cells is describable by a matrix of interactions that are substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cell, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are adjusted according to one or more target tuning vectors that define one or more target radiation or field patterns of the signal conversion system.

193. The apparatus of clause 192, wherein the signal comprises a Continuous Wave (CW) signal.

194. The device of clause 192, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

195. The apparatus of clause 194, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

196. The apparatus of clause 195, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a radio frequency band.

197. The apparatus of clause 195, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a microwave band.

198. The apparatus of clause 195, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a millimeter frequency band.

199. The apparatus of clause 195, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the terahertz frequency band.

200. The apparatus of clause 195, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the infrared spectrum.

201. The apparatus of clause 195, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the optical spectrum.

202. The apparatus of clause 194, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

203. The apparatus of clause 202, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the audible acoustic band (16Hz-20 kHz).

204. The apparatus of clause 202, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the ultrasonic frequency band (20kHz-100 MHz).

205. The apparatus of clause 202, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the super acoustic band (100MHz-100 GHz).

206. The apparatus of clause 192, wherein a target tuning vector of the one or more target tuning vectors is identified by:

modulating one or more impedances of the one or more of the unit cells based on a series of tuning vectors;

assigning a reference signal amplitude at a reference point for each tuning vector;

determining a field magnitude for an array of reference points circumscribing at least a portion of the system based on the reference signal magnitude for each tuning vector; and determining the target tuning vector based on the field magnitude.

207. The apparatus of clause 206, wherein the determining the field magnitude for the array of reference points comprises: the signal conversion system is simulated using a reference signal amplitude provided by an analog field source according to specifications.

208. The apparatus of clause 206, wherein the determining the field magnitudes for the array of reference points comprises measuring the field magnitudes for the signal conversion system using the reference signal magnitudes provided by a field generator according to the specification.

209. The apparatus of clause 206, wherein the reference signal amplitude for each tuning vector is measured based on a reference signal received at the signal conversion system.

210. The apparatus of clause 206, wherein the field magnitudes of the array of reference points are determined from a scattering matrix (S-matrix) of field magnitudes for virtual ports, the scattering matrix modeling the signal conversion system by the reference points.

211. The apparatus of clause 210, wherein the reference point array comprises one or more of the unit cells of the signal conversion system, and wherein determining the field amplitude of the reference point array further comprises:

determining a complex field amplitude of the unit cell based on a value of the S matrix associated with each tuning vector, wherein the S matrix value is an S parameter defined as a ratio of complex field amplitudes at different reference points.

212. The apparatus of clause 211, wherein determining the complex field magnitude further comprises:

determining the S matrix value from a predetermined interacting matrix (Y matrix) and a sample adjustment vector according to:

wherein the tunable tuning vector z (converted to a diagonal matrix z) is a predetermined vector function of the sample tuning vector.

213. The apparatus of clause 212, wherein the matrix of predetermined interactions is predetermined by a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells.

214. The apparatus of clause 212, wherein the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector is predetermined by a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells.

215. The apparatus of clause 212, wherein the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector is predetermined by a series of numerical models for each unit cell of the arrangement comprising the interacting unit cells.

216. The apparatus of clause 206, wherein the array of reference points is based on per (λ/2)²The nyquist sampling density of one reference point defines the surface circumscribing the signal conversion system.

217. The apparatus of clause 192, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are further adjusted according to an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system.

218. The apparatus of clause 217, wherein the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined by:

identifying a performance metric of the signal conversion system, wherein a majority of the unit cells comprise a periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells;

simulating the unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell;

characterizing the signal conversion system as a network of unit cells with corresponding interacting matrices;

estimating an S matrix of the network of unit cells using the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells and the characteristic impedance values of the unit cells;

quantizing the performance indicator using the S matrix of the network of unit cells; and

determining the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system relative to a performance metric based on a response of the signal conversion system to a variable impedance using the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells, the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system including the impedance of the unit cells that have been modeled as the uniquely numbered unit cells.

219. The apparatus of clause 218, wherein the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells is approximated using a periodicity of the signal conversion system.

220. The apparatus of clause 219, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises organizing the unit cells into periodic unit cells and one or more unique unit cells such that all periodic unit cells belong to unit cells having the same geometry.

221. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells comprises approximating diagonal elements of a matrix corresponding to the periodic cells by simulating having one of the unit cells to which a periodic boundary condition applies.

222. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating diagonal elements of a matrix corresponding to a periodic unit cell by simulating a periodically-repeatable set of unit cells of the unit cell to which the unit cell applies.

223. The apparatus of clause 222, wherein the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells includes all unit cells immediately adjacent to the selected unit cell in the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells.

224. The apparatus of clause 222, wherein the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells includes all unit cells closer to a selected unit cell in the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells than an empirically selected radius of interaction.

225. The apparatus of clause 222, wherein diagonal elements corresponding to the periodic unit cells are assumed to be equal to each other and are estimated only once for one of the periodic unit cells.

226. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating non-diagonal elements (m, n) of a matrix corresponding to coupling between periodic unit cells "m" and "n" belonging to the system by simulating a periodically repeatable set of unit cells of the system to which periodic boundary conditions apply.

227. The device of clause 226, wherein the set of cells includes all cells immediately adjacent to the selected cell.

228. The apparatus of clause 226, wherein the set of unit cells includes all unit cells closer to the selected unit cell than an empirically selected radius of interaction.

229. The apparatus of clause 226, where all off-diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to couplings between elements in a geometric configuration that is a particular configuration of periodic translations are assumed to be all equal to each other and are estimated only once for each unique coupling configuration.

230. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells comprises: for each of the unique unit cells, diagonal elements and off-diagonal elements of a matrix associated with any of the unique unit cells are approximated by modeling the entire network of unit cells.

231. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein the one or more unique unit cells are numbered such that the corresponding unique unit cells form a unique block of cells within the S-matrix, wherein the unique block of cells is self-contained within the S-matrix.

232. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein the periodic cells are numbered such that the corresponding periodic cells form a periodic block of cells within the S matrix, wherein the periodic block of cells is self-contained within the S matrix and is separate from a unique block of cells of the S matrix.

233. The apparatus of clause 220, wherein the periodic unit cells are identified based on geometric positions of the unit cells in the same unit cell array.

234. The apparatus of clause 233, wherein the periodic unit cells are identified based on at least one radius of interaction with any one of the unique unit cells or with a unit cell that includes an edge of the array.

235. The device of clause 234, wherein the radius of interaction is defined as three unit cell diameters.

236. The apparatus of clause 234, wherein the one or more unique cells are identified from the remaining cells in the array of cells that are not classified as the periodic cell.

237. The apparatus of clause 219, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in one dimension.

238. The apparatus of clause 219, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional periodic arrangement.

239. The apparatus of clause 238, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a rectangular lattice.

240. The apparatus of clause 238, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a triangular lattice.

241. The apparatus of clause 238, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a hexagonal lattice.

242. The apparatus of clause 219, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in three dimensions to form a three-dimensional periodic arrangement.

243. The apparatus of clause 242, wherein the three-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises one of a three-dimensional bravais lattice.

244. The apparatus of clause 217, wherein the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined by:

identifying a performance metric of the signal conversion system, wherein a substantial portion of the unit cells comprise a non-periodic arrangement of geometrically identical unit cells;

simulating the unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell;

a matrix approximating the interaction of the network of unit cells;

estimating an S matrix of the network of unit cells using the approximately interacting matrix of the network of unit cells and the characteristic impedance values of the unit cells;

determining the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system relative to the performance metric from a response of the signal conversion system to a variable impedance using a matrix of the interactions of the network of unit cells, the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system including impedances of the unit cells modeled as the uniquely numbered unit cells.

245. A method of customizing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal, the method comprising:

adjusting one or more adjustable parameters of interacting unit cells of a signal conversion system in an arrangement of said unit cells forming said unit cells according to one or more target tuning vectors defining a field pattern of said unit cells comprising one or more target radiation patterns, wherein said one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of said unit cells at each of one or more operating frequencies, and said interaction of said unit cells within said arrangement of interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions which is substantially independent of said adjustable impedance values of said unit cells.

246. The method of clause 245, wherein the signal comprises a Continuous Wave (CW) signal.

247. The method of clause 245, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

248. The method of clause 247, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

249. The method of clause 248, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a radio frequency band.

250. The method of clause 248, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the microwave band.

251. The method of clause 248, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the millimeter-band.

252. The method of clause 248, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the terahertz frequency band.

253. The method of clause 248, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the infrared spectrum.

254. The method of clause 248, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the optical spectrum.

255. The method of clause 247, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

256. The method of clause 255, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the audible acoustic band (16Hz-20 kHz).

257. The method of clause 255, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the ultrasonic frequency band (20kHz-100 MHz).

258. The method of clause 255, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the super-sonic band (100MHz-100 GHz).

259. The method of clause 245, wherein a target tuning vector of the one or more target tuning vectors is identified by:

determining a field magnitude for an array of reference points circumscribing at least a portion of the system based on the reference signal magnitude for each tuning vector; and

determining the target tuning vector based on the field magnitude.

260. The method of clause 259, wherein the determining the field magnitudes for the array of reference points comprises: the signal conversion system is simulated using a reference signal amplitude provided by an analog field source according to specifications.

261. The method of clause 259, wherein the determining the field magnitudes for the array of reference points comprises measuring the field magnitudes of the signal conversion system with the reference signal magnitudes provided by a field generator according to the specification.

262. The method of clause 259, wherein the reference signal magnitude for each tuning vector is measured based on a reference signal received at the signal conversion system.

263. The method of clause 259, wherein the field magnitudes of the array of reference points are determined from a scattering matrix (S-matrix) of field magnitudes for virtual ports, the scattering matrix modeling the signal conversion system with the reference points.

264. The method of clause 263, wherein the reference point array comprises one or more of the unit cells of the signal conversion system, and wherein determining the field amplitude of the reference point array further comprises:

265. The method of clause 264, wherein determining the complex field magnitude further comprises:

266. The method of clause 265, wherein the matrix of predetermined interactions is predetermined by a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells.

267. The method of clause 265, wherein the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector is predetermined by a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells.

268. The method of clause 265, wherein the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector is predetermined by a series of numerical models for each cell of the arrangement comprising the interacting cells.

269. The method of clause 259, whichWherein the array of reference points is on a per (λ/2) basis²The nyquist sampling density of one reference point defines the surface circumscribing the signal conversion system.

270. The method of clause 245, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are further adjusted according to an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system.

271. The method of clause 270, wherein the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined by:

simulating the unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell;

272. The method of clause 271, wherein the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells is approximated using a periodicity of the signal conversion system.

273. The method of clause 272, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises organizing the unit cells into periodic unit cells and one or more unique unit cells such that all periodic unit cells belong to unit cells having the same geometry.

274. The method of clause 273, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating diagonal elements of a matrix corresponding to the periodic unit cells by simulating having one of the unit cells to which a periodic boundary condition applies.

275. The method of clause 273, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating diagonal elements of a matrix corresponding to a periodic unit cell by simulating a periodically-repeatable set of unit cells of the unit cell to which the unit cell applies.

276. The method of clause 275, wherein the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells comprises all unit cells immediately adjacent to the selected unit cell in the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells.

277. The method of clause 275, wherein the set of periodically-repeatable unit cells comprises all unit cells closer to a selected unit cell in the set of periodically-repeatable unit cells than an empirically selected radius of interaction.

278. The method of clause 275, wherein diagonal elements corresponding to the periodic unit cells are assumed to be equal to each other and are estimated only once for one of the periodic unit cells.

279. The method of clause 275, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating non-diagonal elements (m, n) of a matrix corresponding to coupling between periodic unit cells "m" and "n" to which the system belongs by simulating a periodically repeatable set of unit cells of the system, wherein periodic boundary conditions apply to the set of unit cells.

280. The method of clause 279, wherein the set of unit cells comprises all unit cells immediately adjacent to the selected unit cell.

281. The method of clause 279, wherein the set of unit cells includes all unit cells closer to the selected unit cell than an empirically selected radius of interaction.

282. The method of clause 279, wherein all off-diagonal elements of the matrix that correspond to couplings between elements in a geometric configuration that is a particular configuration of periodic translations are assumed to be all equal to each other and are estimated only once for each unique coupling configuration.

283. The method of clause 273, wherein approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells comprises: for each of the unique unit cells, diagonal elements and off-diagonal elements of a matrix associated with any of the unique unit cells are approximated by modeling the entire network of unit cells.

284. The method of clause 273, wherein the one or more unique unit cells are numbered such that the corresponding unique unit cells form a unique block of cells within the S-matrix, wherein the unique block of cells is self-contained within the S-matrix.

285. The method of clause 273, wherein the periodic unit cells are numbered such that the corresponding periodic unit cells form a periodic block of unit cells within the S matrix, wherein the periodic block of unit cells is self-contained within the S matrix and is separate from a unique block of unit cells of the S matrix.

286. The method of clause 273, wherein the periodic unit cells are identified based on geometric positions of the unit cells in the same unit cell array.

287. The method of clause 286, wherein the periodic unit cell is identified based on at least one radius of interaction with any of the unique unit cells or with a unit cell that includes an edge of the array.

288. The method of clause 287, wherein the radius of interaction is defined as three unit cell diameters.

289. The method of clause 288, wherein the one or more unique unit cells are identified from remaining unit cells in the array of unit cells not classified as the periodic unit cell.

290. The method of clause 272, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in one dimension.

291. The method of clause 272, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional periodic arrangement.

292. The method of clause 291, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a rectangular lattice.

293. The method of clause 291, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a triangular lattice.

294. The method of clause 291, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a hexagonal lattice.

295. The method of clause 272, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in three dimensions to form a three-dimensional periodic arrangement.

296. The method of clause 295, wherein the three-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises one of a three-dimensional bravais lattice.

297. The method of clause 270, wherein the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined by:

simulating the unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell;

a matrix approximating the interaction of the network of unit cells;

298. A method of manufacturing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal, the method comprising:

selecting one or more adjustable parameters of an interacting unit cell of the signal conversion system in an arrangement of the unit cells, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are adjustable according to one or more target tuning vectors defining one or more target radiation or field patterns of the signal conversion system to achieve one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell at each of one or more operating frequencies, and the interaction of the unit cells within the arrangement of the interacting unit cells can be described by a matrix of interactions that is substantially independent of the adjustable impedance values of the unit cells, and

299. The method of clause 298, wherein the signal comprises a Continuous Wave (CW) signal.

300. The method of clause 298, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each unit cell of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

301. The method of clause 300, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

302. The method of clause 301, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a radio frequency band.

303. The method of clause 301, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a microwave band.

304. The method of clause 301, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within a millimeter-wave frequency band.

305. The method of clause 301, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the terahertz frequency band.

306. The method of clause 301, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the infrared spectrum.

307. The method of clause 301, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are within the optical spectrum.

308. The method of clause 300, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

309. The method of clause 308, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the audible acoustic band (16Hz-20 kHz).

310. The method of clause 308, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the ultrasonic frequency band (20kHz-100 MHz).

311. The method of clause 310, wherein the one or more operating frequencies are in the super acoustic band (100MHz-100 GHz).

312. The method of clause 298, wherein a target tuning vector of the one or more target tuning vectors is identified by:

and determining the target tuning vector according to the field amplitude.

313. The method of clause 312, wherein the determining the field magnitude for the array of reference points comprises: the signal conversion system is simulated using a reference signal amplitude provided by an analog field source according to specifications.

314. The method of clause 312, wherein the determining the field magnitudes for the array of reference points comprises measuring the field magnitudes of the signal conversion system using the reference signal magnitudes provided by a field generator according to the specification.

315. The method of clause 312, wherein the reference signal amplitude for each tuning vector is measured based on a reference signal received at the signal conversion system.

316. The method of clause 312, wherein the field magnitudes of the array of reference points are determined from a scattering matrix (S-matrix) of field magnitudes for virtual ports, the scattering matrix modeling the signal conversion system by the reference points.

317. The method of clause 316, wherein the reference point array comprises one or more of the unit cells of the signal conversion system, and wherein determining the field amplitude of the reference point array further comprises:

318. The method of clause 317, wherein determining the complex field magnitude further comprises:

319. The method of clause 318, wherein the matrix of predetermined interactions is predetermined by a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells.

320. The method of clause 318, wherein the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector is predetermined by a numerical model of the arrangement of the interacting unit cells.

321. The method of clause 318, wherein the predetermined vector function of the tuning vector is predetermined by a series of numerical models for each unit cell of the arrangement comprising the interacting unit cells.

322. The method of clause 312, wherein the array of reference points is on a per (λ/2) basis²The nyquist sampling density of one reference point defines the surface circumscribing the signal conversion system.

323. The method of clause 298, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are further adjusted according to an optimal configuration of the signal conversion system.

324. The method of clause 323, wherein the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined by:

simulating the unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell;

325. The method of clause 324, wherein the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells is approximated using a periodicity of the signal conversion system.

326. The method of clause 325, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises organizing the unit cells into periodic unit cells and one or more unique unit cells such that all periodic unit cells belong to unit cells having the same geometry.

327. The method of clause 326, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating diagonal elements of a matrix corresponding to the periodic unit cells by simulating having one of the unit cells to which a periodic boundary condition applies.

328. The method of clause 326, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating diagonal elements of a matrix corresponding to a periodic unit cell by simulating a periodically-repeatable set of unit cells of the unit cell to which the unit cell applies.

329. The method of clause 328, wherein the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells includes all unit cells immediately adjacent to the selected unit cell in the periodically-repeatable set of unit cells.

330. The method of clause 328, wherein the set of periodically-repeatable unit cells includes all unit cells closer to a selected unit cell in the set of periodically-repeatable unit cells than an empirically selected radius of interaction.

331. The method of clause 328, wherein diagonal elements corresponding to the periodic unit cells are assumed to be equal to each other and are estimated only once for one of the periodic unit cells.

332. The method of clause 326, wherein approximating the interacting matrix of the network of unit cells comprises approximating non-diagonal elements (m, n) of a matrix corresponding to coupling between periodic unit cells "m" and "n" belonging to the system by simulating a periodically repeatable set of unit cells of the system, wherein periodic boundary conditions are applied to the set of unit cells.

333. The method of clause 332, wherein the set of unit cells comprises all unit cells immediately adjacent to the selected unit cell.

334. The method of clause 332, wherein the set of unit cells includes all unit cells closer to the selected unit cell than an empirically selected radius of interaction.

335. The method of clause 332, wherein all off-diagonal elements of the matrix corresponding to couplings between elements in a geometric configuration that is a particular configuration of periodic translations are assumed to be all equal to each other and are estimated only once for each unique coupling configuration.

336. The method of clause 326, wherein approximating the matrix of interactions of the network of unit cells comprises: for each of the unique unit cells, diagonal elements and off-diagonal elements of a matrix associated with any of the unique unit cells are approximated by modeling the entire network of unit cells.

337. The method of clause 326, wherein the one or more unique unit cells are numbered such that the corresponding unique unit cells form a unique block of cells within the S-matrix, wherein the unique block of cells is self-contained within the S-matrix.

338. The method of clause 326, wherein the periodic cells are numbered such that the corresponding periodic cells form a periodic block of cells within the S matrix, wherein the periodic block of cells is self-contained within the S matrix and is separate from a unique block of cells of the S matrix.

339. The method of clause 326, wherein the periodic unit cells are identified based on geometric positions of the unit cells in the same unit cell array.

340. The method of clause 339, wherein the periodic unit cell is identified based on at least one radius of interaction with any one of the unique unit cells or with a unit cell that includes an edge of the array.

341. The method of clause 340, wherein the radius of interaction is defined as three unit cell diameters.

342. The method of clause 341, wherein the one or more unique unit cells are identified from the remaining unit cells in the array of unit cells not classified as the periodic unit cell.

343. The method of clause 325, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in one dimension.

344. The method of clause 325, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in two dimensions to form a two-dimensional periodic arrangement.

345. The method of clause 344, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a rectangular lattice.

346. The method of clause 344, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a triangular lattice.

347. The method of clause 344, wherein the two-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises a hexagonal lattice.

348. The method of clause 325, wherein the periodicity of the signal conversion system is periodic in three dimensions to form a three-dimensional periodic arrangement.

349. The method of clause 348, wherein the three-dimensional periodic arrangement comprises one of a three-dimensional bravais lattice.

350. The method of clause 323, wherein the optimal configuration of the signal conversion system is determined by:

simulating the unit cell as a uniquely numbered unit cell;

a matrix approximating the interaction of the network of unit cells;

Claims

1. An apparatus for transmitting or receiving a signal, comprising:

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each unit cell of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are selectable during a design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more geometric parameters are selected to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell during the design phase.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters include one or more electromagnetic properties of non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell, and the one or more properties of the non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell are selected at the design stage to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are dielectric inclusions.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are dynamically adjustable to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1-9, wherein the signal conversion system comprises a plurality of metamaterial layers including a first metamaterial layer and a second metamaterial layer.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first metamaterial layer generates a 3D field distribution with different 2D slices, the 2D slices serving as different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer to generate a different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer, and wherein the second metamaterial layer further stores a plurality of different holograms retrievable using the different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer and generated by the first metamaterial layer.

14. A method of customizing a signal conversion system for transmitting or receiving a signal, the method comprising:

15. The method of claim 14, wherein each impedance value of the one or more adjustable impedance values corresponds to a frequency domain mode of one or more modes for each unit cell of the unit cells at one of one or more operating frequencies.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal comprises an electromagnetic wave and the adjustable impedance value is an electrical complex impedance.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal comprises a sound wave and the adjustable impedance value is an acoustic complex impedance.

18. The method of any of claims 14-17, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are selectable during a design phase to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters comprise one or more geometric parameters of the unit cell, and the one or more geometric parameters are selected to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell during the design phase.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters include one or more electromagnetic properties of non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell, and the one or more properties of the non-metallic inclusions of the unit cell are selected at the design stage to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the non-metallic inclusions are dielectric inclusions.

22. The method of any of claims 14-17, wherein the one or more adjustable parameters are dynamically adjustable to adjust the one or more adjustable impedance values of the unit cell.

23. The method of any of claims 14-22, wherein the signal conversion system comprises a plurality of metamaterial layers, the plurality of metamaterial layers comprising a first metamaterial layer and a second metamaterial layer.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first metamaterial layer is an illumination pattern generator and the second metamaterial layer is a beam forming multi-holographic medium.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first metamaterial layer generates a 3D field distribution with different 2D slices, the 2D slices serving as different hologram reconstruction beams incident on the second metamaterial layer.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the second metamaterial layer is displaced relative to the first metamaterial layer to generate a different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer, and wherein the second metamaterial layer further stores a plurality of different holograms retrievable using the different hologram reconstruction beam incident on the second metamaterial layer and generated by the first metamaterial layer.