ISO-MANM: An imitation based optimization tool for multilayer microwave absorbers

We investigate the performance of 109 types of composition with complex permittivity and permeability properties in the frequency range of 1-12GHz. The components of these compositions are based on conductive and nonconductive polymer composites, ferrites, hexaferrites, and carbon materials. A new swarm-based algorithm has been introduced to solve microwave absorbing nanomaterials (MANM) problem, called Imitation Based Optimization (ISO). The individuals in the ISO imitate each other and move to better locations. ISO has high ability to trade-off between the exploration and exploitation with setting the input parameters. Also, it can simultaneously deal with contentious and discrete spaces. The results show that our proposed method has high quality outcomes and can be used in various applications. Various outputs will be achieved by the presented tool for the aforementioned compositions as a general reference. Considering the ability of the presented tool for selecting layer priority, layer arrangement, layer thickness, frequency range, and incidence angles, a variety of analyses can be carried out. Another ability of the presented tool is analysis of the reflection loss at different incident angles in the microwave frequency range. Using the introduced tool, the reflection loss with TM and TE polarization analysis also can be calculated.