Plasma Generator with Dielectric Rim and FSS Electrode for Enhanced RCS Reduction Effect

Abstract

In this study, a method was experimentally verified for further reducing the radar cross-section (RCS) of a two-dimensional planar target by using a dielectric rim in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma generator using a frequency selective surface (FSS) as an electrode. By designing the frequency selective surface such that the passbands of the radar signal match, it is possible to minimize the effect of the conductor electrode, in order to maximize the RCS reduction effect due to the plasma. By designing the FSS to be independent of the polarization, the effect of RCS reduction can be insensitive to the polarization of the incoming wave. Furthermore, by introducing a dielectric rim between the FSS electrode and the target, an additional RCS reduction effect is achieved. By fabricating the proposed plasma generator, an RCS reduction effect of up to 6.4 dB in X-band was experimentally verified.