Empowering Future 6G Wireless Networks With Transmitarray Antennas: A Review

Transmitarray antennas, characterized by high gains, low loss, structural simplicity, and flexible beam manipulation, are highly promising for long-range wireless communications and sensing in future 6G wireless systems, especially at high frequencies. This article presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in transmitarray technologies within the context of emerging 6G networks. It systematically analyzes three primary geometries: planar, folded, and conformal designs, emphasizing their performance enhancements in bandwidth, efficiency, polarization diversity, and beamforming capabilities. In addition, transmitarray antennas in the terahertz (THz) band are examined, along with the associated challenges and design strategies. The review also covers alternative technologies, including transmissive metasurfaces, metalenses, and metasurface antennas. By bridging antenna design innovations with the specific requirements of 6G networks, this review highlights emerging applications and identifies promising research directions in transmitarray technologies.