Experimental investigation on ultra-low power metamaterial for back-scatter communication through Ice

Wireless sensor networks and nodes are faced with severe constraints in power capacity and lifespan, especially in harsh and cold environments. Electromagnetic radiation energy harvesters serve as a promising alternative power source for sensor nodes. However, the power output from reported energy harvesters remains limited, emphasizing the critical need to reduce power consumption in sensor nodes. In this study, we propose a miniaturized low-voltage controllable metamaterial. It is intended for 2.4 GHz wireless band and is capable of operating in extremely adverse conditions, for instance, beneath the ice, while requiring only 3.3 V control voltage and consumes about 0.3 μW energy. Measurements in sub-ice environment demonstrate its outstanding reflection control characteristics, making it highly suitable as a backscatter communication node in wireless sensor networks in harsh environments.