Single-layer frequency-selective wallpaper for Wi-Fi blocking in the built environment

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With the ubiquity of wireless communication in society, we are increasingly reliant on wireless networks to carry out our everyday transactions, many of which involve the transmission of sensitive data. This dependence has resulted in a growing demand for private secure networks as well as connection-free zones. G Group Land Development is a local BC real-estate developer that strives to differentiate itself from other developers by incorporating innovative technologies into their buildings. In furtherance of that goal, they are seeking to integrate Wi-Fi blocking functionality directly into the built environment. With the global market for radio-frequency (RF) shielding valued at $7 billion, a research collaboration between UBC and G Group provides an exciting opportunity to bring this technology to Canadian and worldwide markets. Frequency-selective surfaces (FSS) are metallic patterned surfaces that can filter electromagnetic waves by selectively transmitting, reflecting, or absorbing specific frequency bands. Multi-band FSS can be designed by layering multiple single-band FSS together or by introducing multi-resonant elements in the surface pattern; however, these designs have historically suffered from high design complexity and high cost of manufacturing, which has made integration into the built environment impractical. Through a previous NSERC Engage Grant, the applicant worked with G Group to propose a novel single-layer passive FSS with independently tunable stop bands. In this CRD project, both parties will continue their collaboration and apply the FSS to Wi-Fi blocking in the built environment. Key tasks will include making the location of the stop bands robust to all incoming wave polarizations and incidence angles, adapting the FSS to a wide variety of backings, and developing a custom printing process for G Group to avoid reliance on third-party manufacturers. Achieving these research outcomes is critical to enabling G Group to achieve its objective of incorporating Wi-Fi blocking technology into real estate development through a wholly-Canadian enterprise.