Addressing and correcting two case studies of polarization converters misidentified as perfect absorbers: the role of cross-polarized reflection

Abstract Accurate absorption analysis of metasurface absorbers, considering all reflected modes, is critical. This corrigendum addresses a significant error in recent papers [19 and 20] as two selected samples, which misinterpret absorption mechanisms by neglecting the main contribution of cross-polarized reflections. According to the review of highly authoritative and highly referenced research, metasurface absorbers with losses can achieve wideband absorption, while low-loss structures typically exhibit resonant narrowband absorption or convert incident power to cross-polarized reflections – an aspect overlooked in [19 and 20]. We present key principles for accurate simulation in HFSS software, emphasizing correct handling of symmetrical and asymmetrical meta-cells and determining all reflected components. Re-analysis of the designs in [19 and 20] using these simulation principles reveals a significant overestimation of reported absorption; they are, in fact, polarization converters rather than perfect absorbers. Finally, we propose potential recommendations for these designs without using a loss mechanism.