Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Trivial-nontrivial topological switching provides a distinctive physical pathway for multifunctional electromagnetic systems, yet has never been exploited for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC). Existing ISAC architectures rely almost exclusively on trivial spatial-wave beamforming, constraining near-field sensing robustness and limiting hardware scalability in 6 G scenarios. Here, we propose an intelligent ISAC platform enabled by a programmable topological metasurface (PTM) that dynamically switches between trivial radiation states and non-trivial valley-Hall states, which is achieved through FPGA-controlled symmetry modulation of the PTM's unit cells. In its non-trivial state, the PTM forms multiple topologically protected domain-wall channels, guiding surface waves with robustness and enabling the extraction of electromagnetic signatures for human localization. A convolutional neural network trained on these signatures achieves a localization accuracy of 99.54%. Upon position recognition, the PTM transitions to its trivial radiation phase, generating spatial phase-gradient beams for directional wireless communication without requiring additional hardware. Experimental results are consistent with theoretical predictions, validating an implementation of topological state switching for dual-mode ISAC functionality. It suggests that topological state programmability could be a potential mechanism for building compact, robust, and intelligent electromagnetic platforms for next-generation wireless systems.
Source: Light Science & Applications
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,190
Funders: City University of Hong Kong, National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Government of Jiangsu Province, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province, Southeast University, State Key Laboratory of Millimeter Waves, Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Awards: G1107297027, G1170140539, G1294523570, G1644299733, G1738609819, G1807731908, G221738148, G2394950313, G2484469628, G251144448, G2681988875, G2918673418, G3075304213, G3226228001, G379649844, G396427802, G4085363274, G4211607451, G4483330133, G4958282960, G5041088774, G5124792243, G5690514032, G5836027441, G5841673440, G6259247475, G6268261301, G6512946051, G6614641478, G669990738, G6711389198, G7262915813, G7600362582, G7670726666, G7714443300, G7772250530, G7847668380, G7860558871, G8653674539, G8804612617, G8863457553, G8983065386
OpenAlex ID: W7203747498