A single-layer tuneable microwave absorber using an active FSS

An experimental single-layer active microwave absorber in described. The absorber is a planar structure based upon the topology of a Salisbury screen, but in which the conventional resistive layer is replaced by an active frequency selective surface (FSS) controlled by pin diodes. The resulting structure has superior reflectivity-bandwidth characteristics compared to conventional passive absorbers of corresponding thickness. Measured data are presented and show that the reflectivity response of the absorber can be controlled over the frequency band from 9 to 13 GHz

The phase-switched screen

Conventional (passive) radar-absorbent materials operate either by phase cancellation or by absorbing incident electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. This paper examines a new type of active "absorber," called the phase-switched screen (PSS). The PSS operates quite differently from passive absorbers in that it exhibits an apparently low value of reflectivity by redistributing the electromagnetic energy incident upon it over a bandwidth that is wide enough to ensure that little reflected energy falls within the pass-band of the receiver. The discussion considers the basic temporal and spectral properties of several PSS topologies, and includes measured data on both planar and cylindrical PSS structures

Reconfigurable Reflectarrays and Array Lenses for Dynamic Antenna Beam Control: A Review

Advances in reflectarrays and array lenses with electronic beam-forming capabilities are enabling a host of new possibilities for these high-performance, low-cost antenna architectures. This paper reviews enabling technologies and topologies of reconfigurable reflectarray and array lens designs, and surveys a range of experimental implementations and achievements that have been made in this area in recent years. The paper describes the fundamental design approaches employed in realizing reconfigurable designs, and explores advanced capabilities of these nascent architectures, such as multi-band operation, polarization manipulation, frequency agility, and amplification. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing future challenges and possibilities for these antennas.Comment: 16 pages, 12 figure

Bi-State Frequency Selective Surfaces Made of Intertwined Slot Arrays

Novel arrangements of active frequency selective surfaces (AFSSs) with integrated voltage control wiring are proposed for bi-state (transparency/reflectance) operation at specified frequencies. The AFSSs are comprised of passive arrays of intertwined patterns of slots in a conductor screen and an active dipole array with pin diodes placed either on the same or opposite sides of a thin dielectric substrate. Simulation and measurement results show that such AFSSs exhibit good isolation (~ 15 dB) between the translucency and reflection states at normal incidence that slightly decreases at oblique incidence. The proposed AFSSs maintain the high angular and polarisation stability over broad fractional bandwidths (FBWs) inherent to the constituent periodic arrays of intertwined conductor patterns with substantially subwavelength unit cells. The merits of these AFSS arrangements also include resilience to parasitic effects of real switches, whose insertion loss in the on-state only enhances the AFSS on/off isolation. Such AFSSs are essential elements for reconfiguring and controlling the electromagnetic architecture of buildings

Study Regarding the Influence of the Biasing Network in Designing a Switchable Frequency Selective Surface

In this paper some hints on the design of a switchable Frequency Selective Surface are proposed. The simulations of two distinct metallic constructions are performed, initially with no control network present and afterwards with control network (having the function to bias the active components inside the unit cells). The suggested designs have been evaluated using electromagnetic simulation. Different filtering bands are obtained below 12 GHz using the periodicity of the square-shaped unit cell with an 18 mm edge length

Reconfigurable Antennas

In this new book, we present a collection of the advanced developments in reconfigurable antennas and metasurfaces. It begins with a review of reconfigurability technologies, and proceeds to the presentation of a series of reconfigurable antennas, UWB MIMO antennas and reconfigurable arrays. Then, reconfigurable metasurfaces are introduced and the latest advances are presented and discussed

Submillimeter satellite radiometer Final engineering report

All solid-state superheterodyne Dicke radiometer for submillimeter wavelength

Periodic Frequency Selective Surfaces for Reduction of Specular Scatter in Indoor Applications

This thesis investigates the use of a variety of passive frequency selective surfaces for specular scatter reduction. Motivation from this work stems from the increased interest in controlling propagation in indoor environments. Influencing the propagation environment using both passive and active structures is of current research interest due to the increased use of wireless devices inside building structures. This thesis aims to develop surfaces suitable for installation on corridor walls to work alongside existing solutions. An initial literature review of frequency selective surfaces; particularly for use inside buildings to create smart environments, suggests reducing the propagation down corridors could be beneficial in decreasing co-channel interference although no solutions have been offered. Development of the initial comb frequency selective surface (CR-FSS) enabled measurement systems and simulation models to be constructed and compared. Due to the various limitations of the CR-FSS, design modifications and evolutions are investigated to overcome issues with poor angular performance, polarisation dependant performance, and experimental manufacture. The initial challenge was to create a rotationally symmetrical surface which could reduce specular scatter from additional angles of incidence in the elevation plane. A pin reflection FSS (PR-FSS) was created, however investigation of the structure showed that it was ineffectual for TE polarisation. In a multipath environment this could be an issue which effects performance. Investigation of additional variations of the CR-FSS such as the slanted comb FSS (SC-FSS) and crenelated CR-FSS complete the analysis. A validation of a frequency selective comb structures is conducted with in-building multipath simulations. Statistical plots show that a comb structure can be used to significantly improve the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) of co-channel transmitters at 2.4 GHz by reducing propagation down a corridor