Metasurface Design for RCS Reduction Applications

In this paper, a novel wideband radar cross section (RCS) reduction metasurface is proposed based on polarization conversion. The unit element features a double arrowhead structure combined with a square metallic loop, arranged in an array with mirror elements rotated 90° for polarization conversion, enabling RCS reduction in reflective mode. The unit cell and its mirror function as a cross-polarizer from 9.7–31.8 GHz and 34.2–35.2 GHz. The metasurface is implemented in a 25×25 array on a cost-effective FR-4 substrate with 0.18 mm thickness and overall dimensions of 6×6 inches. Simulated and measured results show an RCS reduction of 10 dB, with peak reductions of 20.83 dB from 10.7–12.3 GHz and 30.12 dB from 18.5–34.5 GHz, compared to a flat metallic plate of identical size. The measurements align well with simulations.