Metasurfaces and Blinking Jamming: Convergent Study, Comparative Analysis, and Challenges

Area of Science:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Radar Systems

Background:

• Blinking jamming is a crucial self-screening technique against monopulse radars.
• Current methods using digital radiofrequency memories (DRFMs) are complex and costly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate reconfigurable metasurfaces as an alternative to DRFMs for blinking jamming.
• To assess the effectiveness of metasurfaces in altering aircraft radar cross-section (RCS).

Main Methods:

• Simulations incorporating realistic phenomena were conducted.
• Reconfigurable metasurfaces were proposed to cover key aircraft RCS areas.
• Metasurfaces were designed to interchangeably absorb or amplify radar waves.

Main Results:

• A 10:1 variation in RCS using metasurfaces achieved performance comparable to DRFMs.
• A 2:1 RCS variation was sufficient to exceed the radar antenna's angular tracking capabilities.
• The proposed method offers a viable, less complex alternative to DRFM-based jamming.

Conclusions:

• Reconfigurable metasurfaces present a promising, cost-effective solution for blinking jamming.
• This technology could lead to novel radar countermeasure strategies, including drone-based applications.