Microwave diode switchable metamaterial reflector/absorber

Abstract

We embed diodes as active circuit elements within a metamaterial to implement a switchable metamaterial reflector/absorber at microwave frequencies. Diodes are placed in series with the unit cells of the metamaterial array. This results in just a pair of control lines to actively tune all the diodes in a metamaterial. Diodes can be tuned on and off to switch the function of the metamaterial between a perfect absorber and a reflector. The design, simulation, and experimental results of a switchable reflector/absorber in 2–6 GHz range are presented.