Metasurface-based broadband polarization-insensitive polarization rotator

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics
• Wave Propagation
• Microwave Engineering

Background:

• Polarization of electromagnetic (EM) waves is critical for transceiver performance.
• Existing polarization rotators often lack broadband or polarization-insensitive characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a broadband polarization-insensitive polarization rotator (PIPR).
• To achieve 90° polarization rotation for EM waves with arbitrary azimuth angles.

Main Methods:

• A novel PIPR unit composed of two substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) types in a checkerboard pattern.
• Analysis of the electric field within the cavity to elucidate the rotator's working mechanism.
• Fabrication and measurement of a prototype to validate the design.

Main Results:

• The proposed PIPR exhibits broadband performance with over -0.2 dB transmission from 9.5 to 10.9 GHz.
• Satisfactory agreement between simulated and measured results confirms the design's efficacy.
• The device successfully achieves 90° polarization rotation for incident waves.

Conclusions:

• The developed PIPR is a viable solution for polarization rotation in transceivers.
• The design shows potential for integration into advanced imaging and communication systems.
• The checkerboard SIW unit offers a robust method for polarization manipulation.