We present wave-based signal differentiation with unprecedented fidelity and flexibility by purposefully perturbing overmoded random scattering systems such that zeros of their scattering matrices lie exactly at the desired locations on the real frequency axis. Our technique overcomes limitations of hitherto existing approaches based on few-mode systems, both regarding their extreme vulnerability to fabrication inaccuracies or environmental perturbations and their inability to maintain high fidelity under in-situ adaptability. We demonstrate our technique experimentally by placing a programmable metasurface with hundreds of degrees of freedom inside a 3D disordered metallic box. Regarding the integrability of wave processors, such repurposing of existing enclosures is an enticing alternative to fabricating miniaturized devices. Our over-the-air differentiator can process in parallel multiple signals on distinct carriers and maintains high fidelity when reprogrammed to different carriers. We also perform programmable higher-order differentiation. Conceivable applications include segmentation or compression of communication or radar signals and machine vision.
© 2022. The Author(s).