Deep Learning-Based Inverse Design of Stochastic-Topology Metamaterials for Radar Cross Section Reduction

TL;DR

This paper introduces a deep learning framework to design metamaterials with stochastic topologies for reducing radar cross-sections, offering a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.

Contribution

A novel deep learning framework combining CBAM-VAE and Transformer for inverse design of metamaterials with stochastic topologies is proposed.

Findings

The CBAM-VAE significantly improves structural feature extraction and reconstruction in metamaterial design.

The Transformer-based predictor efficiently predicts electromagnetic responses from latent variables.

The designed metamaterials achieve over 10 dB RCS reduction compared to metallic plates in the 6-18 GHz range.

Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) metamaterials have a wide range of applications due to their unique properties, but their design is often based on specific topological structures, which come with certain limitations. Designing with stochastic topologies can provide more diverse EM properties. However, this requires experienced designers to search and optimise in a vast design space, which is time-consuming and requires substantial computational resources. In this paper, we employ a deep learning network agent model to replace time-consuming full-wave simulations and quickly establish the mapping relationship between the metamaterial structure and its electromagnetic response. The proposed framework integrates a Convolutional Block Attention Module-enhanced Variational Autoencoder (CBAM-VAE) with a Transformer-based predictor. Incorporating CBAM into the VAE architecture significantly enhances the model’s capacity to extract and reconstruct critical structural features of metamaterials. The Transformer predictor utilises an encoder-only configuration that leverages the sequential data characteristics, enabling accurate prediction of electromagnetic responses from latent variables while significantly enhancing computational efficiency. The dataset is randomly generated based on the filling rate of unit cells, requiring only a small fraction of samples compared to the full design space for training. We employ the trained model for the inverse design of metamaterials, enabling the rapid generation of two cells for 1-bit coding metamaterials. Compared to a similarly sized metallic plate, the designed coding metamaterial radar cross-section (RCS) reduces by over 10 dB from 6 to 18 GHz. Simulation and experimental measurement results validate the reliability of this design approach, providing a novel perspective for the design of EM metamaterials.

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