Simple Wideband RCS Reduction by Phase Gradient Modulated Surface

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simple, broadband, single-layer surface that effectively reduces radar cross section across a wide frequency range using phase gradient modulation of unit cell edges.

Contribution

It proposes a novel sinusoidal edge-length modulation technique for unit cells to achieve wideband RCS reduction with a straightforward design.

Findings

Achieved 97% bandwidth (11.3-32.3 GHz) for RCS reduction.

Good agreement between simulation and measurements.

Effective for both monostatic and bistatic radar configurations.

Abstract

This paper presents the design and implementation of a simple, single-layer, broadband (97%, 11.3-32.3 GHz) Radar Cross Section Reduction (RCSR) Modulated Surface (MS). It uses modulation of the edge-length of the square patch (SP) radiators within adjacent unit cells. By using Sinusoidal Modulation (SM) of the edge length of the unit cells, the unit cells sequences with phase gradient, that plays an effective role in improving the RCSR, can be used for wideband RCSR achievement. The proposed structure with the dimension of 250*250mm2 that consists of 40 * 40 unit cells with period of 6mm printed on a RO4003 substrate of 1.6mm thickness and has been considered. Measurements on a prototype were conducted considering both mono- and bi-static arrangements for oblique incidences for both TM and TE polarization tests. A good agreement between simulation and measurement results proves the validity of the design criteria.