Low Scattering Microstrip Antenna Based on Broadband Artificial Magnetic Conductor Structure

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Antenna Design
• Metamaterials and Metasurfaces
• Radar Cross-Section Reduction

Background:

• Backscattered energy from antennas can cause interference and detection issues.
• Metasurfaces offer unique electromagnetic properties for manipulating wave propagation.
• Controlling antenna scattering is crucial for stealth and communication systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a new antenna design for significant backscattered energy reduction.
• To utilize destructive interference principles with a metasurface on a chessboard reflector.
• To enhance antenna performance by minimizing unwanted reflections.

Main Methods:

• Designing two distinct metasurface (MS) unit cells with zero-degree reflection phase.
• Configuring MS unit cells on a chessboard-like reflector for a 180° ± 37° phase difference.
• Implementing the design to reduce backscattered energy of a microstrip antenna based on destructive interference.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant backscattered energy reduction from 6 GHz to 16 GHz for both x- and y-polarization.
• Demonstrated -10 dB backscattering reduction within the antenna's working band (7.4-7.8 GHz).
• Preserved radiation performance, with artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) unit cells not affecting radiation properties.

Conclusions:

• The proposed metasurface antenna effectively reduces backscattered energy through destructive interference.
• The chessboard-like reflector configuration successfully redirects scattering fields.
• Simulations and measurements confirm the design's validity and effectiveness for radar cross-section reduction.