Space-time modulated metasurfaces (STMMs) are a newly investigated technology for the next 6G generation wireless communication networks. An STMM augments the spatial phase function with a time-varying one across the meta-atoms, allowing for the conveyance of information that possibly modulates the impinging signal. Hence, STMM represents an evolution of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS), which only design the spatial phase pattern. STMMs convey signals without a relevant increase in the energy budget, which is convenient for applications where energy is a strong constraint. This paper proposes a mathematical model for STMM-based wireless communication, that creates the basics for two potential STMM architectures. One has excellent design flexibility, whereas the other is more cost-effective. The model describes STMM’s distinguishing features, such as space-time coupling, and their impact on system performance. The proposed STMM model addresses the design criteria of a full-duplex system architecture, in which the temporal signal originating at the STMM generates a modulation overlapped with the incident one. The presented numerical results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed model and its potential to revolutionize wireless communication.

中文翻译：

---

时空调制超表面的无线通信


时空调制超表面 (STMM) 是一项新研究的下一代 6G 无线通信网络技术。 STMM 通过跨元原子的时变空间相位函数来增强空间相位函数，从而允许传递可能调制撞击信号的信息。因此，STMM代表了可重构智能表面（RIS）的演变，它只设计空间相位模式。 STMM 传输信号时不会相应增加能量预算，这对于能量受到严格限制的应用来说很方便。本文提出了一种基于 STMM 的无线通信数学模型，为两种潜在的 STMM 架构奠定了基础。一种具有出色的设计灵活性，而另一种则更具成本效益。该模型描述了 STMM 的显着特征，例如时空耦合及其对系统性能的影响。所提出的 STMM 模型解决了全双工系统架构的设计标准，其中源自 STMM 的时间信号生成与事件信号重叠的调制。所提出的数值结果证明了所提出模型的有效性及其彻底改变无线通信的潜力。