Validating Convex Optimization of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces via Measurements

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) can be designed in various ways. A previously proposed semidefinite relaxation-based optimization method for maximizing power transfer efficiency showed promise, but earlier results were only theoretical. This paper evaluates a small RIS at 3.55 GHz, the center of the 5G band “n78”, for practical verification of this method. The presented results not only empirically confirm the desired performance of the optimized RIS, but also affirm the optimality of the resulting reactance values. Additionally, this paper discusses several practical aspects of RIS design and measurement, such as the operation of varactor diodes and time gating to omit the direct line-of-sight (LOS) path.