Ultra-Wideband Passive Polarization Conversion Metasurface for Radar Cross-Section Reduction Across C-, X-, Ku-, and K-Bands

In this study, we present a novel ultra-wideband passive polarization conversion metasurface (PCM) that integrates double V-shaped patterns with circular split-ring resonators. Operating without any external power supply or active components, this design effectively manipulates the polarization state of incident electromagnetic waves. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PCM can convert incident linear polarization into orthogonal states across a wide frequency range of 7.1-22.3 GHz, encompassing the C-, X-, Ku-, and K-bands. A fabricated prototype confirms that the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) exceeds 90% throughout the specified band. Furthermore, we explore an additional application of this passive metasurface for electromagnetic stealth, wherein it achieves over 10 dB of monostatic radar cross-section (RCS) reduction from 7.6 to 21.5 GHz. This broad effectiveness is attributed to strong electromagnetic resonances between the top and bottom layers, as well as the Fabry-Pérot cavity effect, as evidenced by detailed analyses of the underlying physical mechanisms and induced surface currents. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design and highlight its potential for future technological applications, including 6G communications, radar imaging, anti-interference measures, and electromagnetic stealth.