Broadband diffuse terahertz wave scattering by flexible metasurface with randomized phase distribution

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetic Engineering
• Metamaterials Science
• Optics and Photonics

Background:

• Specular electromagnetic wave reflection and backward radar cross-section are critical challenges in practical electromagnetic engineering.
• Effective suppression of such reflections is essential for advanced technological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel scheme for achieving broadband backward scattering reduction.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of a flexible metasurface in diffuse terahertz wave reflection.

Main Methods:

• Designing a flexible metasurface composed of metallic patches with randomized sizes on a polyimide substrate.
• Utilizing a computer-generated pseudorandom sequence to arrange meta-particles.
• Conducting numerical simulations and experimental validations.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultralow specular reflection across a broad frequency band and wide angles of incidence.
• Demonstrated diffuse scattering of terahertz waves due to randomized phase distribution.
• Confirmed polarization insensitivity and preservation of properties on curved surfaces.

Conclusions:

• The proposed metasurface effectively reduces specular reflection by re-distributing incident energy into various directions.
• This diffuse scattering approach offers a new pathway for specular reflection suppression.
• The technology holds potential for applications in stealth and other terahertz spectrum technologies.