Multi-frequency reflection only linear polarization converters

Abstract

The capability of controlling the polarization of an electromagnetic wave creates numerous applications. Millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter wave imaging applications and remote environmental monitoring applications employ polarization converters (Euler, M., et al. Antennas and Propagation, IEEE Transactions on 58.7 (2010): 2457–2459.). They have also been employed in the design of circulators and isolators. Polarization converters are typically fabricated with birefringent materials or dichroic crystals (Kotlyar, Maria, et al. Optics express 13.13 (2005): 5040–5045.). Using these conventional methods to carry out advanced polarization control inflicts demanding requirements on material properties and equates to a limited performance. Relatively cumbersome devices are required for these conventional methods. In light of this, creating novel polarization control devices that are lightweight and thin is important. More recently, polarization conversion using plasmonic metasurfaces or metamaterials has been proposed. Through careful design, a number of intriguing functional devices can be developed based on metal-dielectric structures, such as high-impedance surfaces, radar absorbing materials and electromagnetic cloaks. In particular, much thinner polarization controllers can be developed via the use of these bidimensional metamaterials.