Electromagnetic Illusion in Smart Environments

Abstract: Metasurfaces can be designed to achieve prescribed functionality. Careful meta-atom design and arrangement achieve homogeneous and inhomogeneous layouts that can enable exceptional capabilities to manipulate incident waves. Inherently, the control of scattering waves is crucial in wireless communications and stealth technologies. Low-profile and light-weight coatings that offer comprehensive manipulation are highly desirable for applications including camouflaging, deceptive sensing, radar cognition control, and defense security. Here, we propose a method that achieves electromagnetic illusion without altering the object. A proof of principle is proposed and practiced for one-dimensional media. The idea is to engineer the environment instead of the object coating. This work paves the way for versatile designs that will improve electromagnetic security applications with the aid of smart environments.