Low-RCS and Gain-Enhanced Antenna Using Absorptive/Transmissive Frequency Selective Structure

Abstract

A gain-enhanced antenna consisting of a bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) and a patch antenna is initially proposed in this communication. By utilizing the reflection characteristic of the FSS, a quasi-Fabry–Perot (F-P) cavity is formed between the FSS and antenna’s ground, which considerably improves the gain of the antenna. Meanwhile, the bandpass FSS has a little phase compensation for oblique transmitting waves, which also slightly enhances the gain. Then a low-radar cross section (RCS) and gain-enhanced antenna is proposed by using absorptive/transmissive frequency selective structure (ATFSS). It is implemented by mounting the ATFSS above a patch antenna. The ATFSS is constructed by stacking a lossy layer above a bandpass FSS. Both antennas are fabricated, assembled, and measured. They achieve a gain-enhancement of 5.27 and 3.84 dB, respectively. Besides, the low-RCS antenna achieves 10 dB monostatic RCS reduction from 5 to 5.33 GHz and from 9 to 13.4 GHz under the TE-polarization, and from 8.4 to 13.5 GHz under the TM-polarization, respectively. Simulated results show it also achieves a good improvement in bistatic RCS reduction as well.