Analysis of Scalable Anomalous Reflectors through Ray Tracing and Measurements

In this study, we elaborate on the concept of scalable anomalous reflector (AR) to analyze the angular response, frequency response, and spatial scalability of a designed AR across a broad range of angles and frequencies. We utilize theoretical models and ray tracing simulations to investigate the communication performance of two different-sized scalable finite ARs, one smaller configuration with 48 x 48 array of unit cells and the other constructed by combining four smaller ARs to form a larger array with 96 x 96 unit cells. To validate the developed theoretical approach, we conducted measurements in an auditorium to evaluate the received power through an AR link at different angles and frequencies. In addition, models of scalable deflectors are implemented in the MATLAB ray tracer to simulate the measurement scenario. The results from theoretical calculations and ray tracing simulations achieve good agreement with measurement results.