Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) is a promising solution for manipulating the propagation of radio signals, with potential to improve the energy efficiency of wireless communication systems. RIS can also be used in various new applications ranging from sensing and imaging to health and biomedical monitoring. However, current RIS technology suffer from two main challenges: Firstly, there is a need to dynamically control the RIS beam-forming which requires active transceiver to be installed at the RIS increasing its complexity, cost, and energy consumption. Secondly, RIS can by physically large leading to sizeable amount of e-waste at the end of its life-cycle. In this project, we develop and demonstrate zero-power RIS which can be produced from recyclable or biodegradable materials using additive manufacturing methods on cellulosic or recyclable thermoplastic substrates. We use optical link and organic light sensitive transistor to implement the RIS control link.

2023

2025