China’s 6G surface converts enemy radar beam into power for stealth jets

Chinese researchers have developed a novel smart electromagnetic surface based on reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technology that can convert ambient electromagnetic waves—such as enemy radar beams—into electrical power. This innovation enables stealth jets to harvest energy directly from radar signals, eliminating the need for traditional batteries and supporting the concept of "electromagnetic cooperative stealth," where multiple networked platforms coordinate to minimize radar visibility. The RIS is a two-dimensional reflecting material capable of real-time manipulation of electromagnetic waves, allowing simultaneous wireless information transfer, sensing, and energy harvesting. Beyond military applications, this technology is poised to impact 6G telecommunications by integrating data transmission with radar-like functions, optimizing spectrum and hardware usage. Current prototypes demonstrate effective beam steering and the ability to create intentional radio dead zones, enhancing signal coverage and security. The RIS platform offers a low-cost, programmable solution that reduces physical hardware requirements and can support environment-adaptive micro base stations and self-powered relay systems. Researchers anticipate that as this technology matures, it will