Design of a polarization-sensitively and optically transparent absorbing metasurface and its stealth performance

To fulfill the equipment of electromagnetic stealth and achieve broadband absorption, a polarization-sensitively and optically transparent absorbing metasurface is proposed in this paper. The metasurface features a sandwich structure comprising two polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layers patterned with distinct indium tin oxide (ITO) geometries, which encapsulates a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) interlayer. The metasurface exhibits polarization-sensitive absorption and excellent optical transparency due to the asymmetric rectangular ITO patterns combined with transparent materials. Simulated results demonstrate that the metasurface achieves an absorption rate exceeding 90% for x-polarized waves within 24.5-30.5 GHz, while maintaining absorption below 0.5 for y-polarized waves in the same band. A 6×6 planar array is subsequently constructed. Monostatic radar cross-section (RCS) of the metasurface and a metal plate with same size is simulated under normal and oblique incidences. The results reveal significant RCS reduction for x-polarized waves in 24.5-30.5GHz, with peak reductions of 30 dB (normal and oblique angle of 30°). For y-polarized incidences, the pronounced RCS reduction occurred in 35-40 GHz, reaching maximum reductions of 20 dB (normal and oblique angle of 30°). This metasurface exhibits broadband and polarization-sensitive absorption with optical transparency. It thereby offers a novel material for advanced camouflage applications.