Wideband low-RCS and gain-enhanced antenna using frequency selective absorber based on patterned graphene

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics
• Materials Science
• Antenna Engineering

Background:

• Reducing antenna radar cross-section (RCS) is critical for stealth applications.
• Enhancing antenna gain while maintaining low observability presents a significant engineering challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a double-layer patterned graphene-based frequency-selective absorber (DGFSA) for simultaneous RCS reduction and gain enhancement.
• To investigate the effectiveness of the DGFSA in lowering both monostatic and bistatic RCS.
• To demonstrate the application of the proposed antenna on stealth platforms.

Main Methods:

• Design of a patch antenna integrated with a Multi-Graphene Frequency Selective Absorber (MGFSA).
• Utilizing double-layer patterned graphene with varying square resistances for broad EM wave absorption.
• Employing a band-pass frequency selective surface (FSS) and leveraging the quasi-Fabry-Perot (F-P) effect for gain enhancement.

Main Results:

• The DGFSA significantly reduces the out-band monostatic RCS of the patch antenna.
• Monostatic RCS reduction achieved from 1.32 to 17 GHz (y-polarization) and 1.4 to 16.8 GHz (x-polarization).
• Antenna gain is enhanced by 2.4 dB due to the quasi-Fabry-Perot effect, with a decrease in bistatic RCS also observed.

Conclusions:

• The proposed DGFSA effectively reduces antenna RCS and increases gain.
• Simulation and measurement results confirm the design's performance.
• The developed low-RCS antenna shows strong potential for stealth platform applications.