Journal of Space Science and Experiment >
A Reconfigurable Metasurface Enabled by 3D Buckling Assembly for Wide-Range Continuous Electromagnetic Wave Manipulation
Online published: 2026-05-28
Reconfigurable metasurfaces have attracted significant attention due to their capability for fast and flexible manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, achieving wide-range continuous tuning remains a formidable challenge. In this work, we propose a reconfigurable metasurface based on a 3D buckling assembly strategy, comprising an array of meta-atoms selectively bonded to a biaxially pre-stretched flexible substrate. The controlled release of the pre-strain induces a structural transformation of the meta-atoms from 2D precursors to 3D configurations, thereby endowing the metasurface with 3D reconfigurability. The finite element analysis confirms the stable buckling behavior of the structure, while full-wave electromagnetic simulations further demonstrate that the meta-atoms maintain linear modulation of the geometric phase throughout the 3D reconfiguration process. Leveraging the Pancharatnam-Berry phase principle, a reconfigurable metalens and a dynamic beam deflector are designed and validated: the metalens achieves continuous focal length tuning from 70 mm to 295 mm, and the beam deflector enables EM wave deflection angles spanning 30.0° to 88.7°. By synergistically combining mechanical flexibility with electromagnetic tunability, this design enables continuous control over phase, focusing properties, and wavefront direction, offering a promising approach for reconfigurable imaging, sensing, and dynamic wavefront manipulation.
Haoyang PANG , Haoyuan LU , Zhongxing WANG , Qingrui YANG , Baihong CHI , Liuyang ZHANG . A Reconfigurable Metasurface Enabled by 3D Buckling Assembly for Wide-Range Continuous Electromagnetic Wave Manipulation[J]. Journal of Space Science and Experiment, 2026 , 3(2) : 62 -68 . DOI: 10.19963/j.cnki.2097-4302.2026.02.006
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