Forward and backward helicity scattering coefficients for systems with discrete rotational symmetry

The forward and backward scattering off linear systems with discrete rotational symmetries R(z)(2π/n) with n ≥ 3 are shown to be restricted by symmetry reasons. Along the symmetry axis, forward scattering can only be helicity preserving and backward scattering can only be helicity flipping. These restrictions do not exist for n < 3. If, in addition to the n ≥ 3 discrete rotational symmetry, the system has duality symmetry (obeys the helicity conservation law), it will exhibit zero backscattering. The results pinpoint the underlying symmetry reasons for some notable scattering properties of R(z)(2π/4) symmetric systems that have been reported in the metamaterials and radar literature. Applications to planar metamaterials and solar cells are briefly discussed.