Stretchable and self-healable spoof plasmonic meta-waveguide for wearable wireless communication system
Buyun Yu, De‐Wei Yue, Kexin Hou, Lu Ju, Hao Chen, Cong Ding, Zhen‐Guo Liu, Yunqian Dai, Hari Krishna Bisoyi, Ying‐Shi Guan, Weibing Lu, Cheng‐Hui Li, Quan Li
Abstract
Microwave transmission lines in wearable systems are easily damaged after frequent mechanical deformation, posing a severe threat to wireless communication. Here, we report a new strategy to achieve stretchable microwave transmission lines with superior reliability and durability by integrating a self-healable elastomer with serpentine-geometry plasmonic meta-waveguide to support the spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP). After mechanical damage, the self-healable elastomer can autonomously repair itself to maintain the electromagnetic performance and mechanical strength. Meanwhile, the specially designed SSPP structure exhibits excellent stability and damage resistance. Even if the self-healing process has not been completed or the eventual repair effect is not ideal, the spoof plasmonic meta-waveguide can still maintain reliable performance. Self-healing material enhances strength and durability, while the SSPP improves stability and gives more tolerance to the self-healing process. Our design coordinates the structural design with material synthesis to maximize the advantages of the SSPP and self-healing material, significantly improving the reliability and durability of stretchable microwave transmission lines. We also perform communication quality experiments to demonstrate the potential of the proposed meta-waveguide as interconnects in future body area network systems.