Tao Shan

Bio: Tao Shan is an academic researcher from Tsinghua University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Deep learning & Artificial neural network. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 12 publications receiving 134 citations.

Coding Programmable Metasurfaces Based on Deep Learning Techniques

Abstract: Programmable metasurfaces have recently been proposed to dynamically manipulate electromagnetic (EM) waves in both temporal and spatial dimensions. With active components integrated into unit cells of the metasurface, states of the unit cells can be adjusted by digital codes. The metasurface can then construct complex spatial and temporal electromagnetic beams. Given the main parameters of the beam, the optimal codes can be computed by nonlinear optimization algorithms, such as genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, etc. The high computational complexity of these algorithms makes it very challenging to compute the codes in real time. In this study, we applied deep learning techniques to compute the codes. A deep convolutional neural network is designed and trained to compute the required element codes in milliseconds, given the requirement of the waveform. The average accuracy of the prediction reaches more than 94 percent. This scheme is validated on a 1-bit programmable metasurface and both experimental and numerical results agree with each other well. This study shows that machines may “learn” the physics of modulating electromagnetic waves with the help of the good generalization ability in deep convolutional neural networks. The proposed scheme may provide us with a possible solution for real-time complex beamforming in antenna arrays, such as the programmable metasurface.

Study on a Poisson's Equation Solver Based On Deep Learning Technique

Abstract: In this work, we investigated the feasibility of applying deep learning techniques to solve Poisson's equation. A deep convolutional neural network is set up to predict the distribution of electric potential in 2D or 3D cases. With proper training data generated from a finite difference solver, the strong approximation capability of the deep convolutional neural network allows it to make correct prediction given information of the source and distribution of permittivity. With applications of L2 regularization, numerical experiments show that the predication error of 2D cases can reach below 1.5\% and the predication of 3D cases can reach below 3\%, with a significant reduction in CPU time compared with the traditional solver based on finite difference methods.

Study on a Fast Solver for Poisson’s Equation Based on Deep Learning Technique

Abstract: Fast and efficient computational electromagnetic simulation is a long-standing challenge. In this article, we propose a data-driven model to solve Poisson’s equation that leverages the learning capacity of deep learning techniques. A deep convolutional neural network (ConvNet) is trained to predict the electric potential with different excitations and permittivity distribution in 2-D and 3-D models. With a careful design of cost function and proper training data generated from finite-difference solvers, the proposed network enables a reliable simulation with significant speedup and fairly good accuracy. Numerical experiments show that the same ConvNet architecture is effective for both 2-D and 3-D models, and the average relative prediction error of the proposed ConvNet model is less than 3% in both 2-D and 3-D simulations with a significant reduction in computation time compared to the finite-difference solver. This article shows that deep neural networks have a good learning capacity for numerical simulations. This could help us to build some fast solvers for some computational electromagnetic problems.

Study on a Poisson's equation solver based on deep learning technique

Abstract: In this work, we investigated the feasibility of applying deep learning techniques to solve 2D Poisson's equation. A deep convolutional neural network is set up to predict the distribution of electric potential in 2D. With training data generated from a finite difference solver, the strong approximation capability of the deep convolutional neural network allows it to make correct prediction given information of the source and distribution of permittivity. Numerical experiments show that the predication error can reach below one percent, with a significant reduction in CPU time compared with the traditional solver based on finite difference methods.

Artificial Intelligence: New Frontiers in Real–Time Inverse Scattering and Electromagnetic Imaging

Abstract: In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been developed rapidly. With the help of big data, massive parallel computing, and optimization algorithms, machine learning (ML) and (more recently) deep learning (DL) strategies have been equipped with enhanced learning and generalization capabilities. Besides becoming an essential framework in image and speech signal processing, AI has been also widely applied to solve several electromagnetic (EM) problems with unprecedented computational efficiency, including inverse scattering and EM imaging. In this paper, a review of the most recent progresses in the application of ML and DL for such problems is given. We humbly hope a brief summary could help us to better understand the pros and cons of this research topic and foster future research in using AI to address paramount challenges in the field of EM vision.

Digital Twin: Values, Challenges and Enablers From a Modeling Perspective

Abstract: Digital twin can be defined as a virtual representation of a physical asset enabled through data and simulators for real-time prediction, optimization, monitoring, controlling, and improved decision making. Recent advances in computational pipelines, multiphysics solvers, artificial intelligence, big data cybernetics, data processing and management tools bring the promise of digital twins and their impact on society closer to reality. Digital twinning is now an important and emerging trend in many applications. Also referred to as a computational megamodel, device shadow, mirrored system, avatar or a synchronized virtual prototype, there can be no doubt that a digital twin plays a transformative role not only in how we design and operate cyber-physical intelligent systems, but also in how we advance the modularity of multi-disciplinary systems to tackle fundamental barriers not addressed by the current, evolutionary modeling practices. In this work, we review the recent status of methodologies and techniques related to the construction of digital twins mostly from a modeling perspective. Our aim is to provide a detailed coverage of the current challenges and enabling technologies along with recommendations and reflections for various stakeholders.

A Prospective Look: Key Enabling Technologies, Applications and Open Research Topics in 6G Networks

Abstract: The fifth generation (5G) mobile networks are envisaged to enable a plethora of breakthrough advancements in wireless technologies, providing support of a diverse set of services over a single platform. While the deployment of 5G systems is scaling up globally, it is time to look ahead for beyond 5G systems. This is mainly driven by the emerging societal trends, calling for fully automated systems and intelligent services supported by extended reality and haptics communications. To accommodate the stringent requirements of their prospective applications, which are data-driven and defined by extremely low-latency, ultra-reliable, fast and seamless wireless connectivity, research initiatives are currently focusing on a progressive roadmap towards the sixth generation (6G) networks, which are expected to bring transformative changes to this premise. In this article, we shed light on some of the major enabling technologies for 6G, which are expected to revolutionize the fundamental architectures of cellular networks and provide multiple homogeneous artificial intelligence-empowered services, including distributed communications, control, computing, sensing, and energy, from its core to its end nodes. In particular, the present paper aims to answer several 6G framework related questions: What are the driving forces for the development of 6G? How will the enabling technologies of 6G differ from those in 5G? What kind of applications and interactions will they support which would not be supported by 5G? We address these questions by presenting a comprehensive study of the 6G vision and outlining seven of its disruptive technologies, i.e., mmWave communications, terahertz communications, optical wireless communications, programmable metasurfaces, drone-based communications, backscatter communications and tactile internet, as well as their potential applications. Then, by leveraging the state-of-the-art literature surveyed for each technology, we discuss the associated requirements, key challenges, and open research problems. These discussions are thereafter used to open up the horizon for future research directions.

A review of deep learning approaches for inverse scattering problems (invited review)

Abstract: In recent years, deep learning (DL) is becoming an increasingly important tool for solving inverse scattering problems (ISPs). This paper reviews methods, promises, and pitfalls of deep learning as applied to ISPs. More specifically, we review several state-of-the-art methods of solving ISPs with DL, and we also offer some insights on how to combine neural networks with the knowledge of the underlying physics as well as traditional non-learning techniques. Despite the successes, DL also has its own challenges and limitations in solving ISPs. These fundamental questions are discussed, and possible suitable future research directions and countermeasures will be suggested.

Two-Step Enhanced Deep Learning Approach for Electromagnetic Inverse Scattering Problems

Abstract: In this letter, a new deep learning (DL) approach is proposed to solve the electromagnetic inverse scattering (EMIS) problems. The conventional methods for solving inverse problems face various challenges including strong ill-conditions, high contrast, expensive computation cost, and unavoidable intrinsic nonlinearity. To overcome these issues, we propose a new two-step machine learning based approach. In the first step, a complex-valued deep convolutional neural network is employed to retrieve initial contrasts (permittivities) of dielectric scatterers from measured scattering data. In the second step, the previously obtained contrasts are input into a complex-valued deep residual convolutional neural network to refine the reconstruction of images. Consequently, the EMIS problem can be solved with much higher accuracy even for high-contrast objects. Numerical examples have demonstrated the capability of the newly proposed method with the improved accuracy. The proposed DL approach for EMIS problem serves a new path for realizing real-time quantitative microwave imaging for high-contrast objects.