Recent Advances in Plasma Surfaces

Plasma-based surfaces represent an innovative alter-native approach for reconfiguring electromagnetic (EM) signals. These structures comprise an array of plasma discharges, which can integrate a metallic ground plane if the surface is operated in reflection mode. Recent developments in theoretical and numer-ical models demonstrate that plasma-based surfaces offer beam steering and polarization control capability. This is achievable by tuning the EM response of plasma through its properties, such as density, which can be electronically controlled. Furthermore, the range for the plasma properties enabling plasma-based reflective or transmit surfaces is consistent with the state-of-the-art discharge technologies. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the recent progress made in plasma-based surfaces, emphasizing their relevance and outlining the roadmap toward realizing the first proof-of-concepts.