Multi‐Functional Metasurface: Visibly and RF Transparent, NIR Control and Low Thermal Emissivity

Abstract Rapid advances in metamaterial technology are enabling the engineering of wave–matter interactions heretofore not realized and functionalities with potentially far‐reaching implications for major challenges in the fields of energy conservation and radio frequency (RF) communication. A visibly and RF transparent composite metasurface utilizing dielectric–metal spectrally selective coatings with high near‐infrared control and low thermal emissivity is proposed, thus achieving a multi‐functional metasurface capable of enhancing fifth‐generation (5G) communication efficiency and exhibiting energy conservation features. The proposed meta‐glass yields 92% peak RF transmission at 30 GHz which corresponds to 20% and 90% enhancement when compared to plain glass and low‐emissive glass substrates. This meta‐glass possesses 86% peak optical transparency at λ = 550 nm, >60% near‐infrared reflection, and >80% mid‐infrared reflection which corresponds to ≈0.2 thermal emissivity. The proposed metasurface design is highly flexible and can be tuned to operate over different frequency ranges owing to its frequency scalability. This study provides a better alternative using earth‐abundant materials compared to low‐emissive glass based on indium tin oxide while boosting the efficiency of 5G communication amenable to window systems demanding simultaneous functionalities for emergent smart/energy‐efficient buildings/cities and autonomous transportation applications.