Two-dimensional foldable meta-lens array

A two-dimensional radio frequency (RF) beamformer comprising:

• a plurality of feed ports;
• a group of horizontal strips of unit cells comprising meta-lens material connected to the plurality of feed ports, wherein each feed port of the plurality of feed ports inputs a signal within a first set of unit cells within one of the horizontal strips;
• at least one horizontal folding connection point located between a first horizontal strip of unit cells and a second horizontal strip of unit cells of each of the group of horizontal strips of unit cells, wherein the first horizontal strip of unit cells and the second horizontal strip of unit cells collapse together using the at least one horizontal folding connection point to form a stack of unit cells along a horizontal axis;
• a group of vertical strips of unit cells comprising the meta-lens material connected to the group of horizontal strips of unit cells, wherein the group of vertical strips further form the signal within a second set of unit cells within one of the vertical strips;
• at least one vertical folding connection point located between a first vertical strip of unit cells and a second vertical strip of unit cells of each of the group of vertical strips of unit cells, wherein the first vertical strip of unit cells and the second vertical strip of unit cells collapse together using the at least one vertical folding connection point to form a stack of unit cells along a vertical axis;
• and
• a radiator array configured to transmit the signal formed by the first set of unit cells in a horizontal direction and formed by the second set of unit cells in a vertical direction.

A method for propagating a signal through a radio frequency (RF) beamformer;

• inputting the signal using a feed port of a plurality of feed ports connected to a meta-lens material array, wherein the meta-lens material array is stacked in a plurality of layers;
• propagating the signal between the plurality of layers of the meta-lens material array using at least one folding connection point between connected layers of the plurality of layers;
• applying a delay to the signal using at least one unit cell within each layer of the plurality of layers;
• and
• transmitting the signal based on the delay from a radiator array connected to the meta-lens material array.