Metamaterial Polarization Converter Analysis: Limits of Performance

TL;DR

This paper investigates the theoretical maximum efficiencies of metamaterial polarization converters, revealing fundamental limits and providing design guidelines for high-performance devices across electromagnetic frequencies.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive theoretical analysis of polarization conversion limits in metamaterials using a transmission line approach, including practical design insights.

Findings

Single layer transmission converter max 50% efficiency

Reflection configuration can reach 90% efficiency

Double layer or ground plane designs can achieve 100% efficiency

Abstract

In this paper we analyze the theoretical limits of a metamaterial converter that allows for linear-to- elliptical polarization transformation with any desired ellipticity and ellipse orientation. We employ the transmission line approach providing a needed level of the design generalization. Our analysis reveals that the maximal conversion efficiency for transmission through a single metamaterial layer is 50%, while the realistic re ection configuration can give the conversion efficiency up to 90%. We show that a double layer transmission converter and a single layer with a ground plane can have 100% polarization conversion efficiency. We tested our conclusions numerically reaching the designated limits of efficiency using a simple metamaterial design. Our general analysis provides useful guidelines for the metamaterial polarization converter design for virtually any frequency range of the electromagnetic waves.