Wide-band metamaterial absorber for sub-6 GHz 5G applications: Reducing specific absorption rate

Abstract

Overview

The sub-6 GHz frequency band is widely used for 5G applications due to its wide coverage, low latency, strong data transmission capabilities, IoT compatibility, and increased connectivity. However, this expansion comes with a significant health risk due to the rise in harmful electromagnetic radiation, which recent research has linked to negative effects on living beings.

Design and Features

• Introduces a wide-band, polarization-insensitive, and oblique angle-insensitive metamaterial absorber for the sub-6 GHz (3.1–5 GHz) 5G range.
• The absorber utilizes a unique structure combining rings, split rings, and meander-crossed dipoles loaded with lumped resistors.
• The equivalent circuit of the structure is designed using a quasi-static approach, fabricated, and experimentally measured.

Findings

• The absorber exhibits an overall bandwidth of 1.9 GHz, covering the critical n77, n78, and n79 5G bands.
• It achieves over 80% absorptivity up to an oblique angle of 60°, irrespective of polarization.
• Comparisons between EM and circuit simulation absorptivity plots show close equivalence, and measured results confirm practical applicability.

Conclusion

The widespread deployment of 5G in the sub-6 GHz band increases exposure to electromagnetic radiation, raising considerable health concerns. The proposed wideband metamaterial absorber demonstrated up to a 95% reduction in electromagnetic radiation and specific absorption rate (SAR), showing that it can significantly reduce health risks associated with EMF exposure. The absorber’s practical performance in both simulations and real-world measurements suggests it is a promising solution for mitigating the negative biological effects of EMF in 5G environments and safeguarding public health.