Wideband radar cross section reduction of a circularly polarized antenna using polarization conversion metasurfaces

In this study, a technique for designing a compact and low radar cross section (RCS) circularly polarized (CP) antenna is proposed. The designed CP antenna resonates at 8.7 GHz. The circular polarization is achieved by trimming opposite corners of the square patch and etching out thin slots. A new method is used to keep the radiation performance well preserved and to reduce the RCS of the CP antenna by employing polarization conversion metasurfaces. The PCM comprises double-head arrow elements arranged around the CP antenna in four quadrants. Wideband monostatic RCS reduction is achieved for frequencies from 8.0 to 20 GHz. The experimental results verify the simulated ones, and also, the performance parameters such are realized gain, impedance bandwidth, axial ratio, and radiation pattern are well preserved after loading polarization conversion metasurface.

Automated summary

In this study, a technique for designing a compact and low RCS circularly polarized antenna is proposed. The antenna resonates at 8.7 GHz and achieves circular polarization through trimming and etching. The use of polarization conversion metasurfaces helps preserve radiation performance and reduce RCS. Wideband monostatic RCS reduction is achieved for frequencies from 8.0 to 20 GHz, as verified by experimental results.