A Single-Layer Checkerboard Metasurface Based on Reconfigurable Polarization Converter for Dual-Mode RCS Reduction

In this letter, a reconfigurable broadband multifunctional polarization conversion metasurface (RBMPCM) based on positive-intrinsic-negative (p-i-n) diode is proposed. The unit of RBMPCM can effectively reflect an <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">x</i>-polarized electromagnetic waves into its orthogonal polarization as well as circular polarization in a broad frequency band of 8.78 GHz to 14.33 GHz, by changing the state of p-i-n diode. A modified ground plane is created to supply a bias voltage to the p-i-n-diode, hence eliminating the need for additional feeding lines, which could adversely affect the performance of a structure by influencing signal efficiency, radiation pattern, frequency response, and overall stability. Next, the polarization converter and its mirror are placed in a standard checkerboard pattern to achieve dual-mode radar cross section reduction. Two different samples (periodic and checkerboard) were fabricated and experiments were performed, which showed excellent agreement with simulated results.