Experiment-based deep learning approach for power allocation with a programmable metasurface

Metasurfaces designed with deep learning approaches have emerged as efficient tools for manipulating electromagnetic waves to achieve beam steering and power allocation objectives. However, the effects of complex environmental factors like obstacle blocking and other unavoidable scattering need to be sufficiently considered for practical applications. In this work, we employ an experiment-based deep learning approach for programmable metasurface design to control powers delivered to specific locations generally with obstacle blocking. Without prior physical knowledge of the complex system, large sets of experimental data can be efficiently collected with a programmable metasurface to train a deep neural network (DNN). The experimental data can inherently incorporate complex factors that are difficult to include if only simulation data are used for training. Moreover, the DNN can be updated by collecting new experimental data on-site to adapt to changes in the environment. Our proposed experiment-based DNN demonstrates significant potential for intelligent wireless communication, imaging, sensing, and quiet-zone control for practical applications. © 2023 Author(s).