Oblique Angle Research Articles

A wideband bianisotropic FSS absorber with angular stable and polarization-insensitive properties

This paper introduces a bi-anisotropic frequency selective surface (BFSS) that provides absorption from one illuminating side, and partial reflections (PR) from the other illuminating side, along with non-zero in-band (IB) and out-of-band (OB) transmissions. When an x-polarized or y-polarized wave is incident on the front side of the BFSS, over 90% of the incident waves are absorbed in the frequency band of 13.1–13.6 GHz. Similarly, when the back side of the BFSS is excited with an x-polarized or y-polarized incident wave, almost 85% of the incident wave is reflected (PR) in the frequency band of 13.1–13.6 GHz. Moreover, due to the absence of a complete ground plane, in-band (IB) and out-of-band (OB) transmissions are achieved in the frequency bands of 13.1–13.6 and 11.1 GHz to 12.3 GHz, respectively. The proposed structure behaves the same against the oblique incident angle up to 60°. Besides, the BFSS response remains consistent against any arbitrary oriented linearly polarized wave or circularly polarized incident wave. The proposed BFSS with simultaneous absorption, PR, IB transmission, OB transmission, polarization insensitivity, and angular stability is a vital candidate for various microwave applications.

Metamaterial design enabling simultaneous manipulation of Rayleigh and Love waves

Studies on elastic metamaterials have expanded from manipulating bulk waves to surface waves, aiming to control the propagation of in-plane Rayleigh waves or anti-plane Love waves. Considering the coexistence of Rayleigh and Love waves in various scenarios, the objective of this study is to develop a metamaterial capable of simultaneously manipulating both types of waves. The proposed metamaterial consists of horizontal resonators with an oblique mounting angle relative to the wave propagation direction, as well as vertical resonators. Initially, analytical solutions for the dispersion of surface waves are derived, followed by Finite Element (FE) simulations to validate the analytically predicted dispersion and illustrate the corresponding wave modes, as well as the in-plane and out-of-plane displacement fields at specified frequencies. The present study reveals that the mounting angle of the horizontal resonators plays a crucial role in surface wave manipulation. By adjusting the mounting angle, three distinct objectives can be achieved: (i) the attenuation of Rayleigh waves alone; (ii) the independent attenuation of Rayleigh and Love waves, targeting different frequency ranges; and (iii) the simultaneous attenuation of both Rayleigh and Love waves.

Graphene-based tunable broadband metamaterial absorber for terahertz waves

In order to overcome the limitations exhibited by traditional absorbers in electromagnetic wave absorption, such as the extremely narrow absorption bandwidth and uncontrollable absorption results, this paper proposes a novel tunable broadband metamaterial absorber based on graphene. Compared to other terahertz absorbers, the absorber designed in this study exhibits simpler structural design, compact form, thin thickness, efficient absorption performance, and a broader bandwidth. This absorber adopts a three-layer structure, including a patterned monolayer graphene metasurface, a dielectric layer, and a metal substrate. The structure of this patterned graphene consists of four triangular graphene resonators, achieving both high absorption efficiency and maintaining an exceptionally wide absorption bandwidth. The simulation results indicate that at a Fermi energy level Ef of 0.45 eV, the absorber achieves a broadband absorption rate of over 90 % in the 3.287 THz to 5.247 THz frequency range under normal terahertz wave incidence conditions. By analyzing different quantities of the triangular graphene structure on the top of the absorber, we found that the wide absorption bandwidth of the absorber is mainly attributed to the structural coupling of the top-layer graphene in the absorber. Furthermore, through the study of electric field amplitude and current distribution, we stumbled upon that when terahertz waves are incident on the absorber, due to the structural coupling between the graphene layers, electric resonance and magnetic resonance occur within the absorber, resulting in the absorption effect. Finally, through the study of geometric parameters, different polarization angles and oblique incidence angles of the incident waves, as well as different Fermi energy levels of graphene, we discovered that by adjusting the Fermi energy level of graphene, the bandwidth and absorption performance of the absorber can be flexibly tuned. In addition, this absorber exhibits wide-angle absorption characteristics and polarization-insensitive properties, providing potential application prospects in fields such as terahertz thermal imaging and stealth technology.

Assessment and Correlation of Dentofacial Morphology and Lateral Cephalometric Parameters with Smile Characteristics in Lateral and Oblique View: Short Study

Aim: This study evaluated and established correlations between the dentofacial morphology of Angle’s Cl II and Cl I malocclusions, lateral cephalometric parameters, and smile characteristics assessed through lateral and oblique smile views. Methods: A sample of 20 random patients (>15 years, with prior orthodontic treatment) were selected for this study according to their arrival at the department. The selected individuals were grouped according to Angle’s classification of malocclusion, i.e., Angle’s Cl I and Angle’s Cl II malocclusion. Pretreatment records were taken for the study, including lateral cephalogram and extra-oral smile photographs (one lateral smiling and one oblique smiling). In the lateral cephalogram, skeletal, dental, and facial parameters were recorded, and in lateral and oblique smile views, lateral smile index, commissure angle, and incisal displays were recorded. Results: The results showed no significant difference in most cephalometric parameters except for UFH/LFH, which was higher in Angle’s Cl II. Additionally, smile analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups. In addition, significant differences were found in the incisal display, which was greater in Angle’s Cl II malocclusion. Conclusion: Smile characteristics differ between Angle Cl I and Cl II malocclusions. There was a significant difference in lateral and oblique smile parameters when Angle’s malocclusions classified as Cl I and Cl II were evaluated. Lateral and oblique smile index decreased from Cl I to Cl II malocclusion, whereas lateral and oblique smile commissure angle and lateral smile incisor display increased in Cl II malocclusion.

Design and implementation of multi-band reflectarray metasurface for 5G millimeter wave coverage enhancement

A compact low-profile multi-band millimeter-wave (mm-wave) reflectarray metasurface design is presented for coverage enhancement in 5G and beyond cellular communication. The proposed single-layer metasurface exhibits a stable reflection response under oblique incidence angles of up to 60∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^\\circ$$\\end{document} at 24 and 38 GHz, and transmission response at 30 GHz, effectively covering the desired 5G mm-wave frequency bands. The proposed reflectarray metasurface is polarization insensitive and performs equally well under TE and TM polarized incident waves due to the symmetric pattern. In addition, the low profile of the proposed metasurface makes it appropriate for conformal applications. In comparison to the state-of-the-art, the proposed reflectarray metasurface unit cell design is not only compact (3.3 ×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document} 3.3 mm2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^2$$\\end{document}) but also offers two reflections and one transmission band based on a single-layer structure. It is easy to reconfigure the proposed metasurface unit cell for any other frequency band by adjusting a few design parameters. To validate the concept of coverage enhancement, a 32 ×\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ imes$$\\end{document} x32 unit-cell prototype of the proposed reflectarray metasurface is fabricated and measured under different scenarios. The experimental results demonstrate that a promising signal enhancement of 20–25 dB is obtained over the entire 5G mm-wave n258, n259, and n260 frequency bands. The proposed reflectarray metasurface has a high potential for application in mm-wave 5G networks to improve coverage in dead zones or to overcome obstacles that prevent direct communication linkages.

Combined acoustic metamaterial design based on multi-channel Fano resonance effect

In response to the increasing traffic noise problem, we designed a combined acoustic metamaterial (CAM) based on the multi-channel Fano resonance principle. By utilizing the Fano resonance coupling between the acoustic spiral structure and the hollow structure, efficient sound insulation under effective ventilation conditions is achieved. Simulation results of acoustic transmission loss show that the acoustic transmission loss of CAM is more than 13 dB in the frequency band of 520–989 Hz. The broadband sound insulation characteristic can block the oblique angle incident sound waves from different angles. Simulation results of the elastic strain energy and acoustic pressure field validate the sound insulation mechanism of the Fano resonance of the combined acoustic metamaterial. The experimental results in the impedance tube generally agree with the simulation results. To explore the possibility of wider engineering applications of CAM, we propose a combined CAM and CAM0.7 structure. The results show that a series structure of acoustic metamaterials can be selected to further realize broadband sound insulation within 500–1574 Hz.

Dispersive Wave Focusing on a Shear Current: Part 2—Nonlinear Effects

Continuing our recent work [Ellingsen et al., Water Waves (2024)] we investigate the influence of vertically sheared currents on the surface elevation as well as the kinematics of dispersively focusing wave groups up to second order in steepness. The groups are assumed long crested in deep water which may travel at oblique angles with the current, which has a depth-dependent profile in both magnitude and direction. A strong but realistic shear current affects the wave surface elevation only slightly but the wave-induced horizontal velocity beneath the point of focus is very significantly affected, and new phenomena occur at second order. Firstly, a shear current causes wave-induced superharmonic velocity to be nonzero, contributing significantly for moderate wave steepness. At linear order, following (opposing) shear causes horizontal velocities to be amplified (reduced); for crest-focused wave groups, the superharmonic contribution reduces the influence of shear, whereas for trough-focused waves the velocity change from linear and second-order waves add, causing a substantially larger shear-induced effect. Secondly, the sub-harmonic mean flow is not strictly a return flow, but can follow the direction of wave propagation at the depths nearest the surface. Thirdly, unlike the case without shear where the subharmonic mean flow vanishes in the limit of zero bandwidth, it can now tend to a finite value in the narrowband limit. The criterion for this to happen is that the shear current has nonzero curvature.

Modeling the electron cyclotron emission radiation signature from suprathermal electrons in a tokamak.

An Electron Cyclotron Emission (ECE) modeling code has been developed to model ECE radiation with an arbitrary electron momentum distribution, a small oblique angle, both ordinary (O-mode) and extraordinary polarizations (X-mode), and multiple cyclotron frequency harmonics. The emission and absorption coefficients are calculated using the Poynting theorem from the cold plasma dispersion and the electron-microwave interaction from the full anti-Hermitian tensor. The modeling shows several ECE radiation signatures that can be used to diagnose the population of suprathermal electrons in a tokamak. First, in an n = 2 X-mode (X2) optically thick plasma and oblique ECE view, the modeling shows that only suprathermal electrons, which reside in a finite region of the velocity and space domains, can effectively generate cyclotron emissions to the ECE receiver. The code also finds that the O1 mode is sensitive to suprathermal electrons of both a high v⊥ and v‖, while the X2 mode is dominantly sensitive to suprathermal electrons of a high v⊥. The modeling shows that an oblique ECE system with both X/O polarization and a broad frequency coverage can be used to effectively yield information of the suprathermal electron population in a tokamak.

Absorptive frequency-selective transmission/reflection metamaterials with angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption

Absorptive frequency-selective transmission/reflection (AFST/AFSR) metamaterials (MMs) embedded with yttrium-iron-garnet are proposed, capable of achieving angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption. The season optimization algorithm is utilized to optimize the structural parameters of the MM, thus achieving exceptional angular stability. By adjusting the discrete decreasing magnetic field applied to the MM, it can freely switch between double, triple, quadruple, and fivefold octave absorptions. Incorporating reflection layers into two symmetrical AFST MMs, which individually handle electromagnetic waves in forward and backward incidence cases, the Janus feature is realized. This accomplishment led to the achievement of the Janus AFSR MM, enabling angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption. AFST and AFSR MMs demonstrate stable performance for TE waves under various oblique incidence angles up to 53°. The AFST/AFSR MMs showcase a novel approach to achieving angular-insensitive and switchable octave absorption, and hold significant application value in fields such as electromagnetic computing, RCS reduction, and information processing.

FR2/mmWave, N258 and N261 Bands, 5G Frequency‐Compatible Ultra‐Thin Metamaterial Absorber with Polarization Insensitivity for EMI shielding Applications

AbstractSince adopting 5G technology, a notable rise in the prevalence of electromagnetic (EM) waves in the environment has become a significant concern. To reduce EM interference, broadband metamaterial absorbers offer an alternative solution for protecting devices in defense, communication, and healthcare applications, unlike their narrowband counterparts. This article presents a numerical investigation of an ultra‐thin, polarization‐insensitive metamaterial absorber (MMA) that uses metasurfaces and provides electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction, covering the FR2/mmWave licensed N258 and N261 bands with an oblique incidence angle of up to 15 degrees. Comprehensive simulations are performed within the CST Studio Suite S2 2023 to examine the absorber's performance. Under normal incidence, the proposed MMA exhibits a wideband absorbency response exceeding 90% within the frequency range of 24.30–28.12 GHz. Moreover, the physical absorption mechanism is explained with electric and magnetic field distributions, including surface current distributions. Confirmation of the lack of mutual interaction among neighboring unit cells is established through testing with 1 × 2 and 2 × 2 arrays. An equivalent circuit model is also developed to confirm the EM simulation findings. The notable features of the proposed MMA make it an exceptional candidate for EM shielding applications, providing EMI reduction and covering the N258 and N261 bands.

Stability of granular media impacts morphological characteristics under different impact conditions

Abstract In planetary surfaces, oblique impact events are commonplace, and their study holds significant importance for understanding planetary impact processes and aiding in the design of landers and impactors. Current research predominantly focuses on simplified models to study the force and motion under vertical impact craters in terms of scale and impact loading. For oblique impacts, investigations have primarily concentrated on the final crater shape. However, the specific influence of impact load motion on particle bed movement and the precise impact angle’s effect on the ultimate crater shape during the impact process remain unclear. In this study, we used a custom-built oblique impact experimental setup to analyze changes in the velocity field of the particle bed and the horizontal movement of the impact load. Using quasi-static region to assess ellipticity, we aimed to reveal the state of particle movement during oblique impacts and explore the impact of impact angles and energies on crater formation. The results indicate that under large impact angles, the obliquely acquired kinetic energy is minimal, leading to a predominant static point source movement of the particle bed. At higher energy levels, the impact load primarily excavates downward, resulting in the formation of circular impact craters. These findings underscore the sensitivity of particle bed motion to impact angles, making it a crucial metric for assessing the impact of oblique angles on final crater morphology.

Wide‐Angled Pragmatic Dielectric Chiral Meta‐Platform for Spin‐ and Wavelength‐Multiplexed Holography in the Ultraviolet and Visible

Abstract A chiral meta‐optics platform that incorporates hologram‐multiplexing with low phase distortion and wide‐incident angle tolerance over the broad spectral range of the ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) regimes holds great potential for photonic‐encryption‐based applications, particularly in next‐generation 3D displays, high‐resolution biomedical imaging, holographic anti‐counterfeiting labeling, and multi‐channel optical communication. However, the design incorporating giant chirality from UV–vis wavelengths coupled with wide‐incident‐angle tolerance and cost‐effective fabrication is still challenging. Here, the study introduces a pragmatic multifunctional dielectric chiral meta‐platform designed for simultaneous spin‐ and wavelength‐multiplexing of optical information in the UV–vis spectrum. The unit cell comprises a dimer structure based on wide‐bandgap silicon nitride (SiNx), ensuring substantial dual‐spectrum chiro‐optical effects. The meticulously engineered chiral meta‐platform offers an incident angle tolerance of up to 40 degrees, coupled with significant chiro‐optical transmission. To demonstrate the concept, two distinct phase profiles are embedded in the meta‐platform, utilizing the spin and wavelength of incident light as keys to unlock the specific holographic information. The chiral meta‐platform is experimentally validated for oblique illumination angles, showcasing its adaptability across the UV–vis spectrum. The demonstrated meta‐device with dual‐spectrum visual encryption can be applied in various anti‐counterfeiting and security applications.

JWST observations of the Horsehead photon-dominated region

Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the sharpest infrared images ever taken of the Horsehead nebula, a prototypical moderately irradiated photon-dominated region (PDR) that is fully representative of most of the UV-illuminated molecular gas in the Milky Way and star-forming galaxies. Aims. We investigate the impact of far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation emitted by a massive star on the edge of a molecular cloud in terms of photoevaporation, ionization, dissociation, H2 excitation, and dust heating. We also aim to constrain the structure of the edge of the PDR and its illumination conditions. Methods. We used NIRCam and MIRI to obtain 17 broadband and 6 narrowband maps of the illuminated edge of the Horsehead across a wide spectral range from 0.7 to 28 µm. We mapped the dust emission, including the aromatic and aliphatic infrared (IR) bands, scattered light, and several gas phase lines (e.g., Paa, Brα, H2 1-0 S(1) at 2.12 µm). For our analysis, we also associated two HST-WFC3 maps at 1.1 and 1.6 µm, along with HST-STIS spectroscopic observations of the Ha line. Results. We probed the structure of the edge of the Horsehead and resolved its spatial complexity with an angular resolution of 0.1 to 1″ (equivalent to 2 × 10−4 to 2 × 10−3 pc or 40 to 400 au at the distance of 400 pc). We detected a network of faint striated features extending perpendicularly to the PDR front into the HII region in NIRCam and MIRI filters sensitive to nano-grain emission, as well as in the HST filter at 1.1 µm, which traces light scattered by larger grains. This may indeed figure as the first detection of the entrainment of dust particles in the evaporative flow. The filamentary structure of the 1-0 S(1) line of H2 at the illuminated edge of the PDR presents numerous sharp sub-structures on scales as small as 1.5″. An excess of H2 emission compared to dust emission is found all along the edge, in a narrow layer (width around 1″, corresponding to 2 × 10−3 pc or 400 au) directly illuminated by σ-Orionis. The ionization front and the dissociation front appear at distances 1–2″ behind the external edge of the PDR and seem to spatially coincide, indicating a very small thickness of the neutral atomic layer (below 100 au). All broadband maps present strong color variations between the illuminated edge and the internal regions. This can be explained by dust attenuation in a scenario where the illuminating star σ-Orionis is slightly inclined compared to the plane of the sky, so that the Horsehead is illuminated from behind at an oblique angle. The deviations from predictions of the measured emissions in the Hα, Paα, and Brα lines also indicate dust attenuation. With a very simple model, we used the data to derive the main spectral features of the extinction curve. A small excess of extinction at 3 µm may be attributed to icy H2O mantles onto grains formed in dense regions. We also derived attenuation profiles from 0.7 to 25 µm across the PDR. In all lines of sight crossing the inner regions of the Horsehead, especially around the IR peak position, it appears that dust attenuation is non-negligible over the entire spectral range of the JWST.

Comparison of Libration- and Precession-Driven Flows: From Linear Responses to Broadband Dynamics

Libration and precession are different body forces that are ubiquitous in many rapidly rotating systems, particularly in geophysical and astrophysical flows. Libration is a modulation of the background rotation magnitude, whereas precession is a modulation of the background rotation direction. Assessing the consequences of these body forces in large-scale flows is challenging. The Ekman number, the ratio of the rotation time scale to the viscous time scale quantifying the rotation speed, is extremely small, leading to extremely thin and intense shear layers in the flows even when the amplitudes of the body forces are very small. We consider the consequences of libration and precession numerically in a geometrically simple container, a cube, which lends itself to very efficient, accurate, and robust numerical treatment, with the axis of rotation passing through opposite vertices, so that all walls of the cube are at oblique angles to the rotation axis. This results in the geometric focusing of inertial wavebeams reflecting off the walls, whereby the energy density of the wavebeams increases along with the magnitude of their wavevector. The nature of this focusing depends on the forcing frequency but not on the body force. In the inviscid setting, wavebeams form infinitesimally thin vortex sheets, and their energy density becomes unbounded upon focusing. We present linear inviscid ray tracing to set the scene for the focusing of wavebeams and then consider viscous problems at an Ekman number that is typical of current state-of-the-art laboratory experiments. We begin by considering the linear responses, which are comprised of focusing viscous shear layers, of which their details are mostly captured via ray tracing, and particular solutions accounting for the body forces. These have complicated spatio-temporal structures, which differ for libration and precession. Increasing the forcing amplitude from zero introduces nonlinear interactions, enhances the focusing effects via vortex tilting and stretching when the shear layers reflect at the walls, and also introduces temporal superharmonics and a mean flow. When the magnitude of the mean flow is within a few percent of the magnitude of the instantaneous flow, instabilities breaking the spatio-temporal symmetries set in. These are localized in the oscillatory boundary layers where the reflections are concentrated and introduce broadband dynamics in the boundary layers, with additional inertial wavebeams emitted into the interior. The details again depend on the specifics of the body forces.

IFEL electron acceleration due to two laser pulses incident at an oblique angle

IFEL electron acceleration due to two laser pulses incident at an oblique angle

Oblique penetration of spherical tungsten alloy projectiles on high-strength steel plates

The uniaxial tensile and dynamic compression properties of 22SiMn2TiB high-strength steel were first investigated, which shows certain strain-rate effects and obvious temperature-softening effects. Ballistic tests were carried out on 12 mm thick 22SiMn2TiB steel using ∅11 mm tungsten projectiles at 0°∼45° obliquity and a velocity of 500∼900 m/s. The study found that the ballistic limit velocity (BLV) increased monotonously with the increase of the obliquity. Based on the De Marre equation, a BLV calculation model was calibrated, which predicted experimental results well. Corresponding numerical simulation was carried out using LS-DYNA with fitted Johnson-Cook model parameters, its results are in good agreement with the test's. Additionally, the protective mechanism of the 22SiMn2TiB steel plate at an oblique angle was revealed through microscopic morphology analysis of the high-strength steel plate. It identifies adiabatic and normal shear failure, tensile and tensile-shear mixed failure, and the formation of different cracks in two groups, ultimately leading to plugging failure. The study provides a reference for the engineering design of the defensive structures using 22SiMn2TiB high-strength steel.

Resonant-mode engineering for additive reflective structural colors with high brightness and high color purity

We present quad-layered reflective structural color filters generating vivid additive primary colors by controlling a mode number in a Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity and an anti-reflective (AR) coating layer, thus accomplishing high spectral contrast which is highly demanded in creating sharp colors. The reflection brightness of fabricated structural color filters is over 78% and a color gamut is comparable to the standard color gamut (sRGB). Higher-order resonant modes are exploited yielding a narrow passband with strong suppression of the reflection at shorter and longer wavelength ranges for a green color, while red and blue colors are produced by employing fundamental resonant modes. Besides, the structural color filters maintain both high brightness and high color purity at oblique incidence angles up to 40° due to a small angle of refraction by a cavity medium with high refractive index. Moreover, a large-scale fabrication is enabled owing to the simplicity of a device structure, where thin film deposition is used. The scheme presented in this work may open the door to a number of applications, such as reflective displays, imaging devices, colored photovoltaics, and decorations.

Ultra‐Inclined Nanocolumnar ZnO Films Sputtered Using a Novel Masking Configuration Providing Controlled and Restricted Oblique Angle Deposition for Enhanced Sensing Platforms

AbstractOblique angle deposition (OAD) of inclined thin films is mainly performed using electron beam evaporation due to its accurate point source control over the incoming evaporated flux angle α, leading to thin films with a nanocolumnar inclination angle β. However, the utilization of magnetron sputtering (MS) with an extended source for OAD is not extensively studied and reported. This work presents a thorough analysis of ZnO inclined thin films deposited by a novel restricted DC‐reactive MS‐OAD technique. OAD‐inclined films are deposited at α ranged 60°‐88°, where incoming flux is restricted using a patented masking configuration enabling tunable control of deposited nanocolumn angular range. The described technique provides accurate control over the resulting β (99.5% reproducibility), allowing demonstrated βmax of 47.3°, close to theoretical limits predicted for ZnO. The approach discussed here probes enhanced control of β comparable to that observed in evaporation, however using an extended source, resulting in high‐quality reproducible nanocolumnar‐inclined films. The mentioned improvements result from the exploration of operational parameters such as magnetron power, working pressure, and chamber temperature, as well as the design of the restricting configuration and substrate holders and their influence on the resulting inclined thin film crystallinity, and morphology.

Reflective Polarization Conversion with Multi-Functional, Ultrathin Metasurface for Ku- and K-Band Applications

Reflective polarization conversions with a simplistic design of an ultrathin, single-layered, and multi-functional anisotropic metasurface as a polarization converter is utilized for Ku- and K-band applications. The designs with two substrate thicknesses (0.095λ0 and 0.069λ0, respectively) are capable of a cross-polarization converter (CPC) and a linear-to-circular (LTC) polarization conversion. The design with 0.095λ0 thickness achieves a CPC between 17.96 and 26.90GHz with the efficiency of more than 90% and a relative bandwidth of 40% under normal incidence. It maintains angular stability by altering the oblique incidence angles up to 300 with greater than 80% of the PCR in the K-band. Meanwhile, an LTC in two frequency bands, 10.30-10.53GHz and 28.65-29.70GHz, is also numerically demonstrated. The second design with 0.069 λ0 thickness provides a CPC above the PCR value of 87% in the frequency range from 10.46-23.05GHz (covering the entire Ku- and part of the K-band) with angular stability of 40 above the PCR value of 80%. In the meantime, an LTC with relative bandwidth of 75% in the frequency range from 9.53-9.79&24.74-25.27GHz is numerically revealed. These polarization converters exhibit relatively good performances of facile structure and multi-functional properties, which can be useful in Ku- and K-band applications.

Beam‐Driven Electron Cyclotron Harmonic and Electron Acoustic Waves as Seen in Particle‐In‐Cell Simulations

AbstractRecent study has demonstrated that electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can be excited by a low energy electron beam. Such waves propagate at moderately oblique wave normal angles (∼70°). The potential effects of beam‐driven ECH waves on electron dynamics in Earth's plasma sheet is not known. Using two‐dimensional Darwin particle‐in‐cell simulations with initial electron distributions that represent typical plasma conditions in the plasma sheet, we explore the excitation and saturation of such beam‐driven ECH waves. Both ECH and electron acoustic waves are excited in the simulation and propagate at oblique wave normal angles. Compared with the electron acoustic waves, ECH waves grow much faster and have more intense saturation amplitudes. Cold, stationary electrons are first accelerated by ECH waves through cyclotron resonance and then accelerated in the parallel direction by both the ECH and electron acoustic waves through Landau resonance. Beam electrons, on the other hand, are decelerated in the parallel direction and scattered to larger pitch angles. The relaxation of the electron beam and the continuous heating of the cold electrons contribute to ECH wave saturation and suppress the excitation of electron acoustic waves. When the ratio of plasma to electron cyclotron frequency ωpe/ωce increases, the ECH wave amplitude increases while the electron acoustic wave amplitude decreases. Our work reveals the importance of ECH and electron acoustic waves in reshaping sub‐thermal electron distributions and improves our understanding on the potential effects of wave‐particle interactions in trapping ionospheric electron outflows and forming anisotropic (field‐aligned) electron distributions in the plasma sheet.