Wideband RCS Reduction of a Slot Array Antenna Using Polarization Conversion Metasurfaces

Abstract

A new approach to reducing the monostatic radar cross section (RCS) and preserving the radiation characteristics of a slot array antenna by employing polarization conversion metasurfaces (PCMs) is presented in this communication. The PCM is arranged in a chessboard configuration consisting of fishbone-shaped element. It is placed on the surface of the slot array antenna. The characteristics and mechanism of the RCS reduction are analyzed. Simulated and experimental results show that the monostatic RCS reduction band of the antenna with PCM ranges between 6.0 and 18.0 GHz for normally impinging both x- and y-polarized waves. The radiation characteristics of the antenna are well preserved simultaneously in terms of the impedance bandwidth, radiation patterns, and realized boresight gains.