Transmit Beamforming Design for Integrated Sensing and Communication Using Transmissive RIS Transceiver

Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) is a key technology for future wireless networks, calling for hardware-efficient architectures to jointly support communication and sensing. In this paper, a transmissive reconfigurable intelligent surface (TRIS) transceiver is leveraged to enable an ISAC system. Under the considered system model, we investigate transmit beamforming design for the TRIS transceiver to maximize the sum-rate/beampattern gain, subject to the predefined sensing beampattern gain/communication rate thresholds and the per-unit power constraints of the TRIS transceiver. Since the objective functions and constraints are non-convex, the above two optimization problems are highly challenging. To resolve the difficult optimization problems, we combine the fractional programming (FP) method and the majorization-minimization (MM) framework to develop second-order cone programming (SOCP)-based solutions. Since the per-element power constraints introduce a large number of constraints, this increases the complexity of solving the optimization problems. By splitting the coupling constraints and applying the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) framework, we propose two analytic-based algorithms for efficiently updating the beamformer configurations in the sum-rate and beampattern gain maximization problems, respectively. Simulation results demonstrate the convergence and effectiveness of the proposed algorithms, and show that the low-complexity algorithms achieve performance close to the SOCP-based benchmarks with substantially reduced computational complexity.

Low-Altitude Reflection via UAV-Mounted Rotatable IRS

Low-altitude network is a key enabler for extending coverage and recovering connectivity in 6G systems, especially when terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable. This paper studies a uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)-mounted rotatable intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) as a low-altitude reflector between a blocked base station (BS) and a ground terminal (GT). Unlike the conventional isotropic-element assumption, each IRS element is modeled with a hemispherical directive radiation pattern, whose boresight can be adjusted via element rotations. We formulate a new optimization problem that jointly designs IRS phase shifts, per-element rotation vectors, and UAV placement to maximize the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Leveraging the problem structure, we derive closed-form solutions for phase alignment and element rotations, showing that the optimal boresight points are along the internal angular bisector between the BS-IRS and GT-IRS directions. With these closed forms, the design reduces to a placement optimization problem over a box-constrained airspace; we solve it using an efficient projected gradient algorithm with majorization-minimization update and a global Lipschitz constant. Numerical results demonstrate substantial SNR gains from directive elements and reveal a fundamental trade-off between directional gain and path loss, yielding useful insights into low-altitude deployment of UAV-mounted IRSs.

Movable Intelligent Surface (MIS) for Wireless Communications: Architecture, Modeling, Algorithm, and Prototyping

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces enhance wireless systems by reshaping propagation environments. However, dynamic metasurfaces (MSs) with numerous phase-shift elements incur undesired control and hardware costs. In contrast, static MSs (SMSs), configured with static phase shifts pre-designed for specific communication demands, offer a cost-effective alternative by eliminating element-wise tuning. Nevertheless, SMSs typically support a single beam pattern with limited flexibility. In this paper, we propose a novel Movable Intelligent Surface (MIS) technology that enables dynamic beamforming while maintaining static phase shifts. Specifically, we design a MIS architecture comprising two closely stacked transmissive MSs: a larger fixed-position MS 1 and a smaller movable MS 2. By differentially shifting MS 2's position relative to MS 1, the MIS synthesizes distinct beam patterns. Then, we model the interaction between MS 2 and MS 1 using binary selection matrices and padding vectors and formulate a new optimization problem that jointly designs the MIS phase shifts and selects shifting positions for worst-case signal-to-noise ratio maximization. This position selection, equal to beam pattern scheduling, offers a new degree of freedom for RIS-aided systems. To solve the intractable problem, we develop an efficient algorithm that handles unit-modulus and binary constraints and employs manifold optimization methods. Finally, extensive validation results are provided. We implement a MIS prototype and perform proof-of-concept experiments, demonstrating the MIS's ability to synthesize desired beam patterns that achieve one-dimensional beam steering. Numerical results show that by introducing MS 2 with a few elements, MIS effectively offers beamforming flexibility for significantly improved performance. We also draw insights into the optimal MIS configuration and element allocation strategy.