Improved dual-polarized wideband multifunctional switchable absorber/reflector based on active frequency selective...

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetic metamaterials
• Applied physics
• Microwave engineering

Background:

• Metamaterial absorbers and reflectors are crucial for electromagnetic wave manipulation.
• Achieving switchable, wideband, and polarization-stable functionalities simultaneously remains a challenge.
• Existing designs often compromise on bandwidth or polarization independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce an improved dual-polarized multifunctional switchable absorber/reflector.
• To achieve wideband absorption and wideband reflection characteristics.
• To demonstrate polarization stability and independent control over operating states.

Main Methods:

• A three-part structure comprising an active frequency selective surface (AFSS), air spacer, and metal sheet.
• Super-element topology with a 2x2 matrix arrangement for polarization stability.
• PIN diodes as RF switches for independent control of horizontal and vertical polarizations.

Main Results:

• The proposed structure exhibits wideband absorption and reflection capabilities.
• Multifunctional properties with four distinct operating states are achieved.
• Experimental validation confirms good agreement with simulations for various incidence angles.

Conclusions:

• The developed dual-polarized switchable absorber/reflector offers versatile and wideband electromagnetic wave control.
• The design effectively addresses polarization stability and independent state switching.
• This work provides a promising solution for advanced electromagnetic applications.