RIShield: Enabling Electromagnetic Blackout in Radiation-Sensitive Environments

TL;DR

This work tackles privacy and safety in radiation-sensitive environments by preventing electromagnetic leakage. It proposes RIShield, an RIS-based shielding framework that dynamically configures absorption and reflection to create on-demand electromagnetic isolation of targeted spaces. The SHIELD optimization problem is introduced to maximize the Sum Mean Squared Error (SMSE) while enforcing passive RIS constraints, enabling simultaneous leakage suppression and connectivity preservation. Validation via full-wave CST and WirelessInSite simulations demonstrates significant attenuation and provides design insights on RIS size, placement, and configuration, highlighting the practical potential for safer operation in healthcare, nuclear facilities, and defense contexts.

Abstract

Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) have emerged as a disruptive technology with the potential to revolutionize wireless communication systems. In this paper, we present RIShield, a novel application of RIS technology specifically designed for radiation-sensitive environments. The aim of RIShield is to enable electromagnetic blackouts, preventing radiation leakage from target areas. We propose a comprehensive framework for RIShield deployment, considering the unique challenges and requirements of radiation-sensitive environments. By strategically positioning RIS panels, we create an intelligent shielding mechanism that selectively absorbs and reflects electromagnetic waves, effectively blocking radiation transmission. To achieve optimal performance, we model the corresponding channel and design a dynamic control that adjusts the RIS configuration based on real-time radiation monitoring. By leveraging the principles of reconfiguration and intelligent control, RIShield ensures adaptive and efficient protection while minimizing signal degradation. Through full-wave and ray-tracing simulations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of RIShield in achieving significant electromagnetic attenuation. Our results highlight the potential of RIS technology to address critical concerns in radiation-sensitive environments, paving the way for safer and more secure operations in industries such as healthcare, nuclear facilities, and defense.

Figures (11)

• Figure 1: RIS used to guarantee privacy and isolation in real environments.
• Figure 2: Conventional 2D indoor scenario (4 rooms) with 1 indoor transmitter. The signal propagates mostly in the entire considered area through walls.
• Figure 3: Conventional 2D indoor scenario (4 rooms) with 1 indoor transmitter and RIS enabled as a shield. The right-hand side room is isolated.
• Figure 4: Conventional 3D indoor scenario (4 rooms) with 1 indoor transmitter. The signal propagates mostly in the entire considered area through walls.
• Figure 5: Conventional 3D indoor scenario (4 rooms) with 1 indoor transmitter and RIS enabled as a shield. The right-hand side room is isolated.