Reduced Electromagnetic Edge Scattering Using Inhomogeneous Anisotropic Impedance Surfaces

Abstract

Electromagnetic scattering characteristics highly depend on the geometry and material property of the scatterers. In particular, electromagnetic wave scattering occurs at the discontinuity of the propagation path, such as the edge of a scatterer. In this paper, the edge scattering from a triangular object is largely reduced by patterning the triangular surface with inhomogeneous and anisotropic impedance surface. Because surface waves propagate toward the direction with the lower surface refractive index on an anisotropic surface, the direction of the wave propagation can be controlled by designing the distribution of the refractive index. Consequently, the proposed anisotropic impedance surfaces can make the current flows toward or away from the edge so that the edge scattering can be reduced or redirected to a different angle. For demonstration, anisotropic unit cells are analyzed and designed. Also, the anisotropic impedance surfaces are simulated, fabricated, and measured. Here we propose two types of impedance profiles, which are capable of changing the surface current direction either toward or away from the scattering edge. The experimental measurement demonstrates a 7–10 dB edge scattering reduction.