Gene

Quantum mechanics

Engineering

Fading

Robustness (evolution)

Electromagnetics

Telecommunications

Biochemistry

Computer science

Distributed computing

Electromagnetic environment

Decoding methods

Physics

Optics

Electromagnetic field

Electronic engineering

Electromagnetic radiation

Chemistry

Channel (broadcasting)

Wireless

Electrical engineering

Engineering physics

IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation

So far, the environment has been considered as a source of fading, clutter, blockage, etc., with detrimental consequences for the efficiency and robustness of communication systems. However, the intense research developed toward beyond-5G communications is leading to a paradigm change, in which the environment is exploited as a new degree of freedom and plays an active role in achieving unprecedented system performances. For implementing this challenging paradigm, it has been recently proposed the use of intelligent surfaces able to control almost at will the propagation of electromagnetic waves. In this framework, metasurfaces have emerged as a promising solution, thanks to their field manipulation capabilities achieved through low-cost, lightweight, and planar structures. The aim of this paper is to review some recent applications of metasurfaces and cast them in the scenario of next-generation wireless systems. In particular, we show their potentialities in overcoming some detrimental effects presented by the environment in wireless communications, and discuss their crucial role towards the practical implementation of a smart electromagnetic environment.

Metasurfaces 3.0: A New Paradigm for Enabling Smart Electromagnetic Environments