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Programmable wave-based analog computing machine: a metastructure that designs metastructures

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  • Dimitrios C. Tzarouchis

    (University of Pennsylvania
    Intracom Telecom S.A.)

  • Brian Edwards

    (University of Pennsylvania)

  • Nader Engheta

    (University of Pennsylvania)

Abstract

The ability to perform mathematical computations using metastructures is an emergent paradigm that carries the potential of wave-based analog computing to the realm of near-speed-of-light, low-loss, compact devices. We theoretically introduce and experimentally verify the concept of a reconfigurable metastructure that performs analog complex mathematical computations using electromagnetic waves. Reconfigurable, RF-based components endow our device with the ability to perform stationary and non-stationary iterative algorithms. After demonstrating matrix inversion (stationary problem), we use the machine to tackle two major non-stationary problems: root finding with Newton’s method and inverse design (constrained optimization) via the Lagrange multiplier method. The platform enables possible avenues for wave-based, analog computations for general linear algebraic problems and beyond in compact, ultrafast, and parallelized ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitrios C. Tzarouchis & Brian Edwards & Nader Engheta, 2025. "Programmable wave-based analog computing machine: a metastructure that designs metastructures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56019-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56019-1
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