Space-frequency multiplexing wireless communication based on a single-layer dual-band programmable metasurface

Programmable metasurfaces (PMs) have significantly advanced electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation by enabling real-time and digital reconfigurability. However, the current PM designs face challenges in achieving independent multiband controls while maintaining structural simplicity. Here, we propose a novel single-layer, dual-band programmable metasurface based on staggered subwavelength structures. The design enables simultaneous and independent 1-bit phase controls in both X- and Ku-bands within a simplified single-layer architecture. Both simulations and experimental results verify that the proposed PM exhibits minimal inter-band coupling. A prototype of PM is fabricated, demonstrating dual-band EM wave manipulation in both spatial and temporal domains through space-coding and space-time-coding strategies. We construct a space-frequency multiplexing wireless communication system using the proposed PM, capable of establishing concurrent dual-band wireless links between distributed transceivers. The system enables selective disconnection of one frequency band while maintaining reliable connectivity on the other, as validated by the indoor experiments. The proposed design offers promising potential for next-generation reconfigurable wireless communication and radar systems that require simultaneous multi-frequency operations.