Ku-Band Reflective Metasurface Polarization Converter with Near-Unity Efficiency and RCS Reduction Capability
IEEE Access, vol.14, pp.109142-109159, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 14
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1109/access.2026.3714029
- Journal Name: IEEE Access
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Page Numbers: pp.109142-109159
- Keywords: axial ratio, ellipticity, linear-to-linear polarization conversion, metamaterial, Metasurface, polarization conversion ratio (PCR), polarization converter, rcs reduction
- Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
In this study, a novel multifunctional reflective metasurface polarization converter (MPC) is proposed for X-band (8–12 GHz), Ku-band (12–18 GHz), and K-band (18–27 GHz) applications. The objective of the study is to control and manipulate electromagnetic waves for advanced microwave systems. The design and analysis are performed using two commercial 3D full-wave electromagnetic solvers, CST Microwave Studio and Ansys HFSS. Within the scope of the study, linear-to-linear (LP–LP) conversion exhibits a high polarization conversion ratio (PCR) exceeding 99% across the entire Ku-band (11.55–18.47 GHz) for both TE and TM modes. Under oblique incidence, the converter maintains a PCR above 80% up to 40° within the 10.20–14.28 GHz frequency range. In addition, due to the inherent nature of LP–LP polarization conversion, narrow linear to circular (LP–CP) conversion bands are observed around 9.23–9.50 GHz (X-band) and 20.42–20.67 GHz (K-band), where the reflected orthogonal components exhibit nearly equal amplitudes and a phase difference close to ±90°. The fabricated polarization conversion surface is experimentally validated through free-space measurements using a VNA-based free-space horn antenna setup and demonstrates strong agreement with simulation results. Furthermore, the monostatic and bistatic radar cross-section (RCS) reduction performances of the proposed metasurface are comprehensively evaluated through simulations under two geometric configurations, namely a flat plate and a 90° dihedral, across multiple incidence angles. The polarization-converting metasurface consistently achieves RCS reduction across all scenarios, indicating its potential as an effective RCS reduction solution.