applied

sciences
Article
Study of Energy Scattering Relation and RCS
Reduction Characteristic of Matrix-Type
Coding Metasurface
Jia Ji Yang 1 , Yong Zhi Cheng 2, * ID
, Dong Qi 1 and Rong Zhou Gong 1, *
1 School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
Wuhan 430074, China; [email protected] (J.J.Y.); [email protected] (D.Q.)
2 Engineering Research Center for Metallurgical Automation and Detecting Technology, Wuhan University
of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
* Correspondence: [email protected] (Y.Z.C.); [email protected] (R.Z.G.)




Received: 8 July 2018; Accepted: 19 July 2018; Published: 26 July 2018


Abstract: In this paper, we present a design of the linear polarization conversion metasurface (MS)
for the broadband radar cross section (RCS) reduction based on split-ring resonator (SRR) structure
in microwave region. The corresponding phase gradient can be obtained through the stable phase
difference of basic units of polarization conversion MS. The designed polarization conversion MS is
applied in coded electromagnetic (EM) matrix by defining two basic units “0” and “1”, respectively.
Based on the principle of planar array theory, a new random coding method named by matrix-type
coding is proposed. Correlative RCS reduction mechanism is discussed and verified, which can be
used to explore the RCS reduction characteristic. The simulated linear polarization conversion rate of
the designed structure is up to 90% in the frequency range of 6–15 GHz, and the RCS reduction results
verify the theoretical assumptions. Two kinds of matrix-type coding MS samples are prepared and
measured. The experimental results indicate that the reflectance of MS is less than –10 dB on average
under normal incidence in frequency range of 5.8–15.5 GHz. The average RCS reduction is essentially
more than 10 dB in frequency range of 5.5–15 GHz and the corresponding relative bandwidth is
92.7%, which reasonably agrees with simulation. In addition, excellent RCS reduction characteristic
of the designed MS can also be achieved over a wide incident angle.

Keywords: polarization conversion; matrix-type coding; energy scattering; RCS reduction

1. Introduction
As a two-dimensional artificial material, metasurface (MS) is composed of sub-wavelength
element array [1–4], which has been widely applied in optoelectronics devices [5–10], such as sensor,
detector, etc. Because of its ability to effective manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves, MS can be
especially applied in radar stealth field [11–14]. In radar stealth field, the radar echo feature signal
can be changed to reduce the detection probability of objects [15–17]. The radar cross section (RCS) is
an important physical quantity to measure the echo capability of target radar, which attracts much
attention in stealth platforms of military applications [18–20]. By designing MS with different sizes
and arrangements, effective RCS reduction can be achieved [21–24].
In recent years, as an important branch of MS, phase gradient metasurface (GMS) with low RCS
has been paid great interest due to its tremendous potential in military practice [25–28]. This kind
of MS merely reflects the incident waves into the backward space rather than transforming EM
energy into heat, which lowers the probability of MS being detected by infrared devices [29–32].
GMS can introduce the artificial wave vector at in-plane direction to control the propagation direction

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231; doi:10.3390/app8081231 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231 2 of 12

of transmitted and reflected wave beams [33–36]. The polarization conversion characteristic is used to
achieve stable phase difference in a broadband frequency range, which can be applied in the design
of GMS. By randomly arranging the basic units in GMS, the incident wave is irregularly reflected
back to free space, the scattering energy at each directional beam is small. This designed GMS can be
used to achieve the RCS reduction characteristic [37–42]. More recently, a GMS based on cruciform
structure is proposed [33], which can be applied to the RCS reduction characteristic at low frequency
ranges, but the relative bandwidth of designed GMS is narrow. Then, a checkerboard MS based on
fishbone-shaped is proposed [41], which can achieve a broadband RCS reduction from 6 to 18 GHz.
However, the magnitude of the RCS reduction is about 5 dB, and the design scheme is relatively
complex. After this, a new concept of checkboard MS is proposed [42], which can achieve a 10 dB
RCS reduction in the frequency range of 9.9–19.4 GHz, but the relative bandwidth is not enough.
Further, the polarization-independent MS structure is proposed for RCS reduction [22], which can
achieve an ultra-broadband 10 dB RCS reduction characteristic in the range of 17–42 GHz, but the
RCS cannot be reduced at the lower frequency, which is still a challenge for practical application.
Therefore, it is meaningful to explore the new coding ways of MS, which can manipulate transmitted
and reflected EM waves at will to achieve a high relative bandwidth at the lower frequency.
In this paper, the matrix-type random coding theory and the RCS reduction analysis were
presented, which revealed a simple and effective method to achieve wideband RCS reduction.
Then, six kinds of MSs based on split-ring resonator (SRR) structure were designed to explore the
RCS reduction characteristic. Compared with previous works [21–24,33–42], our design has some
advantages: Firstly, new random coding method with novel mechanism; Secondly, the structure of
basic unit is simple, which can achieve the characteristics of 180◦ cross-polarization phase differences
by simply rotating the metal cut-wire structure; Thirdly, our design presents the RCS reduction at
lower frequency with high relative bandwidth compared with the works published before. Such a
simple and effective design may provide some potential applications in the field of stealth.

2. Design of Matrix-Type Coding Metasurface

2.1. Matrix-Type Random Coding Theory and RCS Reduction Analysis

Based on the principle of reflective antenna array, a series of random coding MSs with different
combinations are designed. The incident wave can be diffusely reflected through the design of the
array MS [43–45]. According to “energy conservation law”, an effective RCS reduction under normal
incidence can be achieved by enhancing the EM energy scattering at other direction.
Assuming the surface is composed of A × B array elements, each array element consists of two
basic elements: “0” and “1”. The concept of RCS reduction can be explained by the principle of planar
array theory [46]. Under normal incidence, the array factor of MS can be expressed as:

A B
AF = ∑ ∑ e j[(a−1/2)(kd sin θ cos ϕ)+(b−1/2)(kd sin θ sin ϕ)+φ(a,b)] (1)
a =1 b =1

where θ and ϕ are the angles of elevation and azimuth, k = 2π/λ, d is the distance between the
basic elements, and φ( a, b) is the initial phase of the lattice. In our design, the characteristic of
cross-polarization reflection phase difference of 180◦ can be achieved by rotating the basic unit simply,
which avoids the complex design of structure size and arranges the MS in a simple and effective way.
A matrix-type random coding way is proposed to design 2-bit coding MS, and the coding
flowchart is shown in Figure 1. The basic units of “0” and “1” are placed in the matrix with a fixed
ratio. In the case of “0” and “1” with same number, the co-polarization reflection phase difference
is 0◦ and the cross-polarization reflection phase difference is 180◦ . Therefore, the cross-polarization
component of the scattered field can be effectively canceled; leading to a better RCS reduction effect
than the traditional random coding MS (the probability of “0” or “1” is 50% in each matrix unit). If the
number of units “0” and “1” is not consistent, the cross-polarization component of the scattered field
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231 3 of 12

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 12

cannot be effectively canceled, leading to a suppression of RCS reduction. A simulation is presented to
field cannot
verify be effectively canceled, leading to a suppression of RCS reduction. A simulation is
this assumption.
presented to verify this assumption.

Figure 1. Matrix-type
Figure 1. Matrix-type random
random coding
coding flowchart.
flowchart.

Matrix-typerandom
Matrix-type random coding
coding modemode Mrandom
Mrandom for Matlab
for Matlab calculation calculation can be expressed
can be expressed as the
as the following
following functional
functional form: form:

 N  
" N
(
M random = round mod   kron rand ( 2i i) , ones ( 2 N N ) )
( # )
−i
i ,1

(2)
∑
−
M = round mod
random  kron rand(2 ), ones(2
i =1
) ,1  (2)
i =1
where rand(2i) and ones(2N−i) represent the numbers of block matrix 2i × 2i, each block matrix
where rand(2 i and ones(2N −i ) represent the numbers of block matrix 2i × 2i , each block matrix
composed of 2) N−i × 2 N−i is the same random number. The “kron” is matrix multiplication, where the
composed of 2 N −i × 2 N −i is the same random number. The “kron” is matrix multiplication, where
Kronecker product A, B represents the larger matrix formed by the product of all the elements of
the Kronecker
matrix A and B. product
The openA, Binterval
represents theof
range larger matrix
random formed
number by 1).
is (0, theThe
product of obtain
step to all the elements
the random of
matrix
codingA and B.ofThe
pattern theopen
MS isinterval range
as follows: of random
Firstly, number
the number ofisdifferent
(0, 1). The step to
random obtain the
matrices in therandom
range
coding
of (1, N) is counted. Secondly, the number of patterns is calculated. Finally, the random numbers of
pattern of the MS is as follows: Firstly, the number of different random matrices in the range (0
(1,
andN)1)isare
counted.
addedSecondly, the number
to the discrete binaryof patterns
codes is calculated.
“0” and “1”, and aFinally,
random thecoding
random numbers
matrix (0 and
is obtained
1) are added
through the to the discrete
operation flowbinary
chart.codes
Based“0”on and “1”, and
the results ofasimulation
random coding matrix is obtained
and optimization, through
we choose i=
the operation flow chart. Based on the results of simulation and optimization,
6 and N − i = 5 to satisfy the preparation and measurement of sample. Therefore, the designed we choose i = 6 and
MS
N − i = 5of
consists toasatisfy the preparation
6 × 6 supercell, andsupercell
with each measurement of sample.
consisting of 5 × Therefore, the designed MS consists
5 basic units.
× 6 general
of a 6The supercell, with
RCS each supercell
expression of the consisting of 5 × 5can
scattering surface basic
be units.
expressed by [46]:
The general RCS expression of the scattering surface can be expressed by [46]:
2 2
S E 2 H 2
σ =σlim
= lim 4π2 Sr 2s =s =lim
lim 4π 2r 2 Es s = lim π r2 2 Hs s
4πr
r →∝ S r →∝4πr E = r →∝ lim44πr H
(3)
(3)
r →∝ Si i r →∝ Ei i r →∝ H
i i

where SSi iand

where andSSs sare
arethe
theenergy
energydensity
densityofofincidence and scattering, respectively; | Ei | andand
| Es | are the
incidence and scattering, respectively; Ei Es are
amplitudes of incident and scattered electric fields, respectively; and | Hi | and | Hs | are the amplitudes
the amplitudes of incident and scattered electric fields, respectively; and H i and H s are the
amplitudes of the incident and scattered magnetic fields, respectively. The general RCS can also be
expressed in the form of dBsm:
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231 4 of 12

of the incident and scattered magnetic fields, respectively. The general RCS can also be expressed in
the form of dBsm: " #
2
2 2 Es
σ (dBsm) = 10lg σ (m ) = 10lg lim 4πr (4)
r →∝ Ei

In practical military applications, the incident wave can be equivalent to the plane wave because
of the transmitting and receiving sources are far from the target. Thus, σ and r are independent of one
another. The RCS reduction compared to perfect electric conductor is represented by:
 2
Es
lim 4πr2
" #
2
Ei Es
σ (dBsm)r = 10lg r→∝ = 10lg (5)
 
2 2  Ei
lim 4πr (1)
r →∝

For a matrix-type random coding MS, each kind of basic unit occupy the half area of total surface
in the case of “0” and “1” with same number. The total reflection coefficient can be approximated as
the average reflection coefficient of both elements. The RCS reduction can be approximately expressed
as [46]:
2
A0 e jϑ0 + A1 e jϑ1

σ (dBsm)r(1) = 10lg (6)
2
where A0 and A1 are the reflection coefficient amplitudes of basic units “0” and “1”, respectively.
ϑ0 and ϑ1 are the reflection phases of two basic units. The ratio of “0” and “1” basic units is introduced,
which is defined as α = m0 /m1 , where m0 and m1 are the number of “0” and “1” units, respectively.
Further, we introduce α into the formula to express the RCS reduction characteristic with different
ratio. However, it can only be used as a qualitative comparison, not a quantitative representation of
RCS value. The RCS reduction of 1-bit coding MS under normal incidence can be approximated as:
2
αA0 e jϑ0 + A1 e jϑ1

σ (dBsm)r(α) = 10lg (7)
2

As shown in Equation (7), once basic units of “0” and “1” are selected, the reflection coefficient
magnitude and phase can be determined. Therefore, if the ratio α is defined as a constant, the RCS
reduction of MS will be fixed. In other words, for fixed α, the magnitudes of RCS reduction with different
coding sequences are basically consistent under normal incidence. The ratio, scattered magnitude and
phase play important roles in RCS reduction. This assumption is verified by furthering simulation
and experiment.

2.2. Matrix-Type Random Coding Metasurface Arrangement

As shown in Figure 2a, the basic unit based on SRR structure is designed, which is set as “0” unit.
The SRR structure is rotated counterclockwise by 90◦ along the wave propagation direction (shown
in Figure 2b), which is set as “1” unit. The whole basic unit is divided into three functional layers,
where the period is p = 10 mm. The upper layer is copper film with SRR structure, which possesses
a symmetric axis along 45◦ with respect to x or y direction. The length of outer radius is r = 4.1 mm,
the ring width is s = 0.2 mm, and the split width of ring structure is w = 1 mm. The thickness of the FR4
substrate is 3.5 mm, with the dielectric constant of 4.3 and the loss tangent angle of 0.025. The back
layer copper film and the upper layer copper film have the same thickness of 0.035 mm.
Figure 2c presents the co-polarization (rxx and ryy ) and cross-polarization (ryx and rxy ) reflection
coefficients; the high efficient and broadband polarization conversion features can be achieved in
a broadband frequency range. The cross-polarization reflection coefficients (ryx and rxy ) are greater
than 0.8, while the co-polarization reflection coefficients (rxx and ryy ) are substantially less than
0.35 in the frequency range of 6–15 GHz. The polarization conversion capability is defined as
follows [47]: PCRx = |ryx |2 /(|ryx |2 + |rxx |2 ) and PCRy = |rxy |2 /(|rxy |2 + |ryy |2 ). As shown in
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231 5 of 12
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 12

Figure 2d, theconversion

polarization linear polarization conversion
ratio of the x- and y-polarized x- andisy-polarized
ratio of thewaves as high as waves
85% and is as high as99%
reached 85%at
and reachedfrequencies.
resonance 99% at resonance frequencies.
Figure
Figure2e,f
2e,fshows
showsthe thecross-polarization
cross-polarizationphasephaseand
andphase
phasedifference
differenceofof“0”“0”and
and“1”
“1”basic
basicunits,
units,
respectively.
respectively.ItItcan
canbebeobserved
observedthatthatthe
thephase
phaseofofthe
the“0”
“0”and
and“1”
“1”basic
basicunit
unitisisdifferent,
different,although
althoughthethe
magnitude of the reflection coefficients of co- and cross-polarization is the same. In addition,
magnitude of the reflection coefficients of co- and cross-polarization is the same. In addition, the the phase
gradient of designed
phase gradient MS is 180◦MS
of designed in the frequency
is 180° in the range of 5–16
frequency GHz.ofTherefore,
range 5–16 GHz. weTherefore,
use the characteristic
we use the
ofcharacteristic
cross-polarization phase differencephase
of cross-polarization ±180◦difference
to design±180°
the matrix-type random
to design the coding MS,
matrix-type which
random can
coding
be
MS,applied
whichtocan
achieve the broadband
be applied to achieveRCS the reduction.
broadband RCS reduction.

(a) (b)

Phase differenc Δφxy/degree Polarization conversion ratio

1.0 1.0
Reflection coefficients

(c) (d)
0.8 rxx 0.8
rxy PCRx
0.6 0.6
ryx PCRy
0.4 ryy 0.4

0.2 0.2

0.0 0.0
6 8 10 12 14 16 6 8 10 12 14 16
Frequency/GHz Frequency/GHz
180
180
(e) (f )
Reflection phase/degree

90 90

0 0

-90 -90
"0"element
-180 "1"element -180
6 8 10 12 14 16 6 8 10 12 14 16
Frequency/GHz Frequency/GHz

Figure2.2.(a)(a)Basic
Figure Basicunit “0”;
unit (b)(b)
“0”; basic unitunit
basic “1”;“1”;
(c) the
(c) reflection coefficients
the reflection of “0”of
coefficients and
“0”“1”;
and(d)“1”;
the (d)
linear
the
polarization conversion ratio for the normal incident x- and y-polarized wave; (e)
linear polarization conversion ratio for the normal incident x- and y-polarized wave; (e) the the cross-polarization
phase of “0” and “1”;
cross-polarization andof
phase (f)“0”
theand
cross-polarization
“1”; and (f) the phase difference ofphase
cross-polarization “0” and “1”. of “0” and “1”.
difference

ToToverify
verifythe theproposed
proposedhypothesis
hypothesisand andexplore
explorethetheRCS
RCSreduction
reductioncharacteristic
characteristicofofmatrix-type
matrix-type
randomcoding
random codingMSs, MSs, six
six kinds
kinds of arrangements
arrangements with with different
differentratio
ratioofof“0”
“0”and
and“1”“1”are
aredesigned,
designed,in
which m and m are the number of “0” and
in which m0 and m1 are the number of “0” and “1” basic
0 1 “1” basic units. As for the two basic units, the reflection
two basic units, the reflection
coefficientsand
coefficients and polarization
polarization conversion
conversion rates
rates are are consistent,
consistent, the units the units
“0” and “1”“0”
can and “1” can be
be interchanged,
and the meaning of the expression is the same. Figure 3a,b presents the schematics of coding a andof
interchanged, and the meaning of the expression is the same. Figure 3a,b presents the schematics
bcoding
with thea and
ratiob with
α = mthe
0 /mratio α=m
1 = 1/1. 0/m1 = 3c,d
Figure 1/1. Figure
presents 3c,d
thepresents
schematicsthe schematics
of coding cofand coding c and
d with thed
withαthe
ratio = mratio
0 /m α
1 == m 0/mMeanwhile,
5/4. 1 = 5/4. Meanwhile,
the the
coding coding
e and e
f and
with f with
the the
ratio ratio
α = α
m 0= m
/m 0/m
1 = =
12/12/1 are
are shown
shown
ininFigure
Figure3e,f.
3e,f. By
By applying the matrix-type
matrix-type random
randomcoding,
coding,the thedirection
directionofofenergy
energyscattering
scatteringcan be
can
bechanged
changed totoform
forma adiffuse
diffusereflection
reflectionfor
forthe
the incident
incident EM waves; it is is possible
possible to
toachieve
achievethethehigh
high
efficientRCS
efficient RCSreduction
reductioncharacteristic
characteristicunder
undernormal
normalincidence.
incidence.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 12

Appl.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8,
Sci. 2018, 8, 1231
x FOR PEER REVIEW 66 of
of 12
12

Figure 3. Arrangements of six matrix-type random coding MS: (a,b) coding a and b with the ratio
α = m0/m1 = 1/1; (c,d) coding c and d with the ratio α = m0/m1 = 5/4; and (e,f) coding e and f with the ratio
Figure 3. Arrangements of six matrix-type random coding MS: (a,b) coding a and b with the ratio
Figure
α = m0/m3.1 Arrangements
= 2/1. of six matrix-type random coding MS: (a,b) coding a and b with the ratio
α = m0 /m1 = 1/1; (c,d) coding c and d with the ratio α = m0 /m1 = 5/4; and (e,f) coding e and f with the
α = m0/m1 = 1/1; (c,d) coding c and d with the ratio α = m0/m1 = 5/4; and (e,f) coding e and f with the ratio
ratio α = m0 /m1 = 2/1.
α
To= m 0/m1 =the
meet 2/1.periodic boundary conditions required of simulation, the 5 × 5 basic units are set
as a supercell, and a series of coding arrangements are designed to explore the RCS reduction
To
To meet
meetthe the periodic
periodic boundary conditions required of simulation, 5 × 55 ×basic
the the units are set
areasset
a
characteristic of MS. Figureboundary conditions
4a–h presents required
the far-field of simulation,
scattering characteristic 5 basic
diagram units
of different
supercell,
as a and a series
supercell, and aofseries
coding of arrangements
coding are designed
arrangements are todesigned
explore the
to RCS reduction
explore the characteristic
RCS reduction
coding MSs at 9.5 GHz with the area of 300 × 300 mm2. Figure 4a presents the scattering
of MS. Figure 4a–h
characteristic presents the far-field scattering characteristic diagram of different coding MSs
characteristic of of MS. Figure
metal plate4a–h
withpresents
a strong 2
thenormal
far-field scattering
scattering characteristic
capability, whichdiagram
can beofused
different
as a
at 9.5 GHz
coding MSswith at the
9.5 300 ×the
area of with 300area
mm of . Figure ×4a300
presents .the scattering characteristic of metal
4b GHz 300scattering mm Figure 4a presents
0 or 1,the scattering
2
reference. Figure shows the upright energy direction of coding which is the
plate with a strong
characteristic normal
of metal scattering
plate with capability, whichscattering
can be used as a reference.
whichFigure 4b shows
used asthe
same as the energy scattering of ametal
strong normal
plate. Figure 4c–h shows capability,
the scattering can be
characteristic a
of
upright
reference.energy scattering direction of coding 0 or 1, which is the same as the energy scattering of metal
coding a toFigure 4b showsEM
f, the incident thewave
upright energy
energy scattering
scattering directiontoofallcoding
is diverged around, 0 or
and1,the
which is the
scattering
plate.
same Figure
as the 4c–h
energy shows the scattering
scattering of metal characteristic
plate. Figure of4c–h
coding showsa to f,the
thescattering
incident EM wave energy
characteristic of
capability is relatively weak at single direction. Thus, these results indicate that the matrix-type
scattering
coding is diverged to all around, and the scattering capability is relatively weak at single direction.
randoma coding
to f, theMSsincident EM wave
have good energy
scattering scattering is diverged to all around, and the scattering
performance.
Thus, theseis
capability results indicate
relatively thatat
weak thesingle
matrix-type
direction.random
Thus,coding
theseMSs haveindicate
results good scattering
that theperformance.
matrix-type
random coding MSs have good scattering performance.

(a ) (c) (e) (g)

(a ) (c) (e) (g)

(b) (d ) (f ) (h )

Figure 4. (b) (d ) of: (a) metal plate; (f ) (b) coding 0 or 1, and

Figure 4. Far-field scattering results of: (a) metal plate; (b) coding 0 or 1, (h ) matrix-type
Far-field scattering results random
and matrix-type random
coding MS; (c) coding a; (d) coding b; (e) coding c; (f) coding d; (g) coding e; and (h) coding f at 9.5 GHz.
coding MS; (c) coding a; (d) coding b; (e) coding c; (f) coding d; (g) coding e; and (h) coding f at 9.5 GHz.
Figure 4. Far-field scattering results of: (a) metal plate; (b) coding 0 or 1, and matrix-type random
3.
3. Simulation
coding MS;and
Simulation Experiment
(c) coding
and a; (d) coding b; (e) coding c; (f) coding d; (g) coding e; and (h) coding f at 9.5 GHz.
Experiment
3.1.
3. Simulation and
Simulation and Analysis of Matrix-Type Coding Metasurfaces
Experiment
3.1. Simulation and Analysis of Matrix-Type Coding Metasurfaces
The frequency domain solver in EM simulation software of CST MICROWAVE STUDIO is used
The frequency
3.1.perform
Simulation domain
and Analysis of solver in EM
Matrix-Type simulation
Coding software of CST MICROWAVE STUDIO is
to the numerical simulation. As shown inMetasurfaces
Figure 5a, the numerical results of coding a to f are
used to perform the numerical simulation. As shown in Figure 5a, the numerical results of coding a
depicted to explore the
Thedepicted
frequency RCS reduction characteristics ofsoftware
differentofratio
CSTcombinations. The coding is
0
to f are to domain solver
explore the RCSinreduction
EM simulation
characteristics MICROWAVE
of different STUDIO
ratio combinations. The
presents the RCSthe
used to perform reduction of coding
numerical 0 or 1,As
simulation. the numerical
shown value5a,
in Figure is the
essentially zero
numerical in theoffrequency
results coding a
to f are depicted to explore the RCS reduction characteristics of different ratio combinations. The
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 12

coding 0 presents the RCS reduction of coding 0 or 1, the numerical value is essentially zero in the
Appl. Sci. 2018, range
frequency 8, 1231
of 5–16 GHz, which means the single coding MS cannot reduce the RCS. The coding 7 of 12

a and b are the MSs with the ratio α = m0/m1 = 1/1; the coding c and d present the ratio α = m0/m1 = 5/4;
and the
range coding
of 5–16 GHz, e and f present
which meansthe theratio
singleα =coding
m0/m1MS = 2/1. It can
cannot be seen
reduce theclearly thatcoding
RCS. The the RCS reduction
a and b are
curves of different coding sequences with fixed ratio α are basically consistent. The
the MSs with the ratio α = m0 /m1 = 1/1; the coding c and d present the ratio α = m0 /m1 = 5/4; and the RCS reduction
will increase
coding with decrease
e and f present the ratioofαthe= mnumerical value of α in the whole interested frequency range. The
0 /m1 = 2/1. It can be seen clearly that the RCS reduction curves of
different coding sequences with fixed ratio α are =basically
optimal RCS reduction result is presented at α m0/m1 = consistent.
1/1; these results
The RCSverify the above
reduction willtheoretical
increase
assumptions.
with decrease of the numerical value of α in the whole interested frequency range. The optimal RCS
As shown
reduction result isinpresented
Figure 5b, at the
α = RCS
m0 /mreduction curves of coding a are basically consistent at x- and
1 = 1/1; these results verify the above theoretical assumptions.
y-polarized wave incidence, which indicates
As shown in Figure 5b, the RCS reduction curves a polarization-insensitive property
of coding a are basically of the atproposed
consistent x- and
y-polarized wave incidence, which indicates a polarization-insensitive property of the proposed MSs.of
MSs. In addition, the RCS reduction of coding a is greater than 8 dB in the whole frequency range
In5.5–15 GHz,the
addition, andRCSthe RCS reduction
reduction reaches
of coding a maximum
a is greater than of 21 dB in
8 dB at 9.5
theGHz.
whole frequency range of
5.5–15 GHz, and the RCS reduction reaches a maximum of 21 dB at 9.5 GHz.

30 30
coding a
coding b
(a) coding a (x-polarized incidence)
(b)
25 25

RCS reduction/dB
RCS reduction/dB

coding c coding a (y-polarized incidence)

coding d
20 coding e 20
coding f
15 coding 0 15

10 10

5 5

0 0
6 8 10 12 14 16 6 8 10 12 14 16
Frequency/GHz Frequency/GHz

Figure 5. (a) RCS reduction of matrix-type random coding MS with different ratio combinations of “0”
Figure 5. (a) RCS reduction of matrix-type random coding MS with different ratio combinations of
and “1” units; and (b) RCS reduction of coding a at x- and y-polarized wave incidence.
“0” and “1” units; and (b) RCS reduction of coding a at x- and y-polarized wave incidence.

ToTofurther
furtherdiscuss
discuss the
the energy scattering
scattering characteristic
characteristicofofmatrix-type
matrix-typerandom
random coding
coding MS,MS, the
the scattering
scattering patterns
patterns of coding
of coding a under
a under normalnormal incidence
incidence are studied,
are studied, as shown
as shown in Figurein Figure 6a–f.is
6a–f. Here
Here is a comparison of coding a andplate
metalwith
plate × 2300 2 at 5, 8, 9.5, 10,
a comparison of coding a and metal thewith
samethe same
size 300size 300
× 300 mm at 5,mm
8, 9.5, 10, 13, and 16
13, and 16
GHz. GHz. According
According to “energyto “energy conservation
conservation law”, the law”,main
the main
lobe lobe energy
energy can canbe be suppressedby
suppressed
by enhancingthe
enhancing thescattering
scatteringEM EMenergy
energyof of side
side lobe,
lobe, so an effective
effective RCS
RCSreduction
reductioncan canbebeachieved
achieved
under
under normal incidence. The metal plate has a strong main lobe in whole interested frequencyrange.
normal incidence. The metal plate has a strong main lobe in whole interested frequency range.
AsAsshown
shownin in Figure theMS
Figure 6a,f, the MShashasalmost
almost nono inhibitory
inhibitory effect
effect on main
on main lobelobe at 516
at 5 and and 16 Figure
GHz. GHz.
Figure 6b,e shows
6b,e shows thatmain
that the the main lobe energy
lobe energy of MSofhasMSahas a certain
certain suppression
suppression compared
compared withwith the metal
the metal plate
plate at 8 and
at 8 and 13 GHz.
13 GHz. The scattering
The scattering EM energy
EM energy is scattered
is scattered to all to all around,
around, as shown
as shown in Figure
in Figure 6c,d,
6c,d, which
which indicates
indicates the MSthe hasMS has a significant
a significant inhibitory inhibitory
effect oneffect on main
main lobe at 9.5lobe
GHzatand9.510GHz
GHz, and 10 GHz,
respectively.
respectively. Generally, the closer it is to the center frequency of the basic unit, the
Generally, the closer it is to the center frequency of the basic unit, the better the effect of reducing better the effect
ofRCS
reducing
can beRCS can beThus,
achieved. achieved. Thus, the matrix-type
the matrix-type random coding random codingaMS
MS allows allows aand
wideband wideband and
high efficient
high
RCSefficient
reductionRCS byreduction
adjusting by
theadjusting
scatteredthefieldscattered field simply
simply compared compared
with with works
works proposed proposed
before [15,16].
before [15,16].
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231
x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 12
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 12

0 0
(a)
(a) -30
-30
0
30
30
Metal plate
Metal
MS plate
(coding a) (b)
(b) -30
-30
0
30
30
Metal plate
Metal
MS plate
(coding a)
MS (coding a) MS (coding a)
5GHz 8GHz
5GHz 8GHz
-60 60 -60 60
-60 60 -60 60

-90 90 -90 90
-90 − 20 0 90
20 -90 − 20 0 90
20
− 20 0 20 − 20 0 20
0 0
(c)
(c) -30
-30
0
30
30
Metal plate
Metal
MS plate
(coding a)
MS (coding a)
(d)
(d) -30
-30
0
30
30
Metal plate
Metal plate a)
MS(coding
MS(coding a)
9.5GHz 10GHz
9.5GHz 10GHz
-60 60 -60 60
-60 60 -60 60

-90 90 -90 90
-90 − 20 0 90
20 -90 − 20 0 90
20
− 20 0 20 − 20 0 20
0
0

(f(f) )
0
(e)
(e) -30
-30
0
30
30
Metal plate
Metal
MS plate
(coding a)
-30
-30 30
30
Metal plate
Metal
MSplate
(coding a)
MS (coding a)
MS (coding a)
13GHz 16GHz
13GHz 16GHz
-60 60
-60 60 -60 60
-60 60

-90 90
-90 90 -90 90
-90 − 20 0 90
20 − 20 0 20
− 20 0 20 − 20 0 20

Figure6.6.
Figure
Figure 6.2D
2Dscattering
2D scatteringpatterns
scattering patternsof
patterns ofofthe
the
the coding
coding
coding aand
aaandand metal
metal plate
plate
metal inthe
in in
plate the thexoz-plane
xoz-plane
xoz-plane at:5(a)
at: (a)
at: (a)55GHz;
GHz; GHz; (b)88
(b) 8(b)
GHz;
GHz; (c) 9.5
(c) 9.5(c)GHz;
GHz; GHz; (d)
(d) 10(d)
9.5 GHz; GHz;10 GHz; (e)
(e) 13(e)
10 GHz; GHz; 13 GHz; and
and (f)
13 GHz; and (f)
16(f)
GHz. 16 GHz.
16 GHz.

3.2.Measurement
3.2.
3.2. Measurement and
Measurementand Analysisofof
andAnalysis
Analysis ofMatrix-Type
Matrix-TypeCoding
Matrix-Type CodingMetasurface
Coding Metasurface
Metasurface

To Tofurther
To furtherverify
further verifythe thetheoretical
the theoretical
theoretical assumptions
assumptions
assumptions andand
and numerical
numerical
numerical simulation,
simulation,
simulation, as asasshown
shown shown ininFigure
in Figure Figure
7a,b,
7a,b,
two MS
7a,b, two MS
twosamples samples
MS samples of
of coding coding
of coding a and
a anda band
were b were fabricated
fabricated
b were and
and measured.
fabricated measured.
and measured. The areaThe
The ofarea of
MSofisMS
area MS is
300is×300300
300×mm× 300
3002,
mm
mm
2, and the thickness of overall design is 3.57 mm. Each sample consists of 6 × 6 supercells and
and2, the
andthickness of overall
the thickness design
of overall is 3.57
design is mm. EachEach
3.57 mm. sample consists
sample of 6 ×
consists of 66 supercells
× 6 supercells and andeach
each supercell
supercell
each consists
consists
supercell of 5 ×
of 5of×55×basic
consists 5 basic
5 basic units
units
units of
ofof“0” “0” or “1”.
“0”oror“1”.
“1”.As As shown
As shown in Figure
shown in Figure 7c, the7c, the
the twotwo samples
twosamples
sampleswere were
were
measuredinin
measured
measured inthe
theEM
the EManechoic
EM anechoicchamber,
anechoic chamber,
chamber,the thetransmitting
the transmittingand
transmitting andreceiving
and receivinghorns
receiving hornswere
horns werefixed
were fixedon
fixed onthe
on thesame
the same
same
heightlevel
height
height levelinin
level infront
front
frontofof the
ofthe foam
thefoam tower.
foamtower.
tower.TheThe horn
Thehorn antenna
hornantenna connected
connectedtoto
antennaconnected Agilent
toAgilent Technologies
AgilentTechnologies
TechnologiesN5244A N5244A
N5244A
Vector
Vector Analyzer
Vector Analyzer
Analyzer was was
wasused used
usedto to to measure
measure
measure the thethe
RCSRCS RCS of
of samples. samples. Firstly,
Firstly,Firstly,
of samples. the empty the empty
the darkroom
empty darkroomdarkroom
was calibrated was
was
calibrated
calibrated before
before measuring measuring
the MS sample.
before measuring the
the MS MS sample.
Secondly,
sample.the Secondly,
metal ball
Secondly, the
thewas metal
placed
metal ball
ballonwas
was placed
theplaced
foam toweron the
on thefor foam tower
calibration
foam tower
for
as acalibration
reference. as a reference.
Thirdly, the MSThirdly,
sample theandMS sample
metal and
plate metal
were plate
placed were
on
for calibration as a reference. Thirdly, the MS sample and metal plate were placed on the foam tower placed
the foam on the
tower foam
for tower
testing
for testing
to testing
for get the to to
RCS get the
getvalue.
the RCSRCS value.
In measurement, In measurement,
value. In measurement,the area ofthethe area
thearea
MS of of the
sample
the MS MS
was sample
the same
sample was
wasasthe the same
thesame
metal as the
asplate.
the
metal
Finally,
metal plate. Finally,
the Finally,
plate. the
RCS reduction RCS reduction
the RCSofreduction
MS sample of MS sample
platesample
of MS plate
could plate could
be obtained
could be be obtained
byobtained
comparing by
by thecomparing
RCS value
comparing the
the ofRCS
the
RCS
value
MS with
value of the
theMS
of the MS with
metal the
withplate. metal
the metal plate. plate.

Figure
Figure7.7. The matrix-type
7.The
The matrix-type random
random coding
coding MS
MS templates:
templates: (a) coding a; (b)
(a) coding coding b; and
(b) coding and (c)
(c) the
Figure matrix-type random coding MS templates: (a) coding a;a;(b) coding b;b;and the
(c) the
measurement
measurement setup
setup at
at microwave
microwave anechoic
anechoic chamber.
chamber.
measurement setup at microwave anechoic chamber.

The reflectanceofof
Thereflectance simulation
ofsimulation and
simulationandand experiment
experiment
experiment atatat
x-x-x-and
andand y-polarized
y-polarized
y-polarized wave
wave
wave incidence
incidence
incidence areare
are shown inin
shown
shown
Figure
in Figure8a,b. The
8a,b. Thesimulated
simulated results are
results areslightly
slightlydifferent
different from
from the
the measured
measured
Figure 8a,b. The simulated results are slightly different from the measured ones, which is mainlyones,
ones, which
which is mainly
duetotothe
due the error
theerror occurring
occurringininin
erroroccurring preparation,
preparation,
preparation, such asasas
such
such the
the the flatness
flatness
flatness and
andandthethe
the thickness ofofsamples.
thickness
thickness samples.
of samples. Onthe
On the
On
whole,
the whole,
whole, thesimulated
the simulated
the simulatedandand
and measured
measured
measured curves
curves ofofcoding
curves coding
of coding aaand
and bbare
a and bare
areconsistent
consistent
consistent well
wellinin
well the
inthe
theentire
entire
frequency range of 2–18 GHz, which reveals the polarization-insensitivity
frequency range of 2–18 GHz, which reveals the polarization-insensitivity of matrix-type random of matrix-type random
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 12
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231 9 of 12
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 12
coding MS. The reflectance of coding a and b are less than -10 dB on average in the frequency range
of 5.8–15.5 GHz under normal incidence, which presents an excellent broadband RCS reduction
coding MS.
frequency The of
range reflectance
2–18 GHz, of which
codingreveals
a and b the
are polarization-insensitivity
less than -10 dB on averageof in the frequency
matrix-type range
random
characteristic compared with other works [6–8].
of 5.8–15.5
coding GHz
MS. The under normal
reflectance incidence,
of coding a and b which
are lesspresents
than −10andBexcellent broadband
on average RCS reduction
in the frequency range
ofcharacteristic
5.8–15.5 GHz compared with other
under normal works [6–8].
incidence, which presents an excellent broadband RCS reduction
characteristic compared
0 with other works [6–8]. 0
(a) (b)

11/dB11/dB
11/dB11/dB

-100 -100
(a) (b)

Reflectance-S
Reflectance-S

-10
-20 -10
-20

Reflectance-S
Reflectance-S

-20
-30 -20
-30
coding a(Sim x-polarized) coding b(Sim x-polarized)
-30
-40 coding a(Sim y-polarized) -30
-40 coding b(Sim y-polarized)
coding (Exp x-polarized
coding aa(Sim x-polarized)) coding (Exp x-polarized
coding bb(Sim x-polarized))
coding (Exp y-polarized
coding aa(Sim y-polarized)) coding (Exp y-polarized
coding bb(Sim y-polarized))
-40
-50 -40
-50
2 4 coding
6 a(Exp
8 x-polarized
10 12) 14 16 18 2 4coding
6 b(Exp
8 x-polarized
10 12 ) 14 16 18
codingFrequency/GHz
a(Exp y-polarized) coding bFrequency/GHz
(Exp y-polarized)
-50 -50
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Frequency/GHz Frequency/GHz
Figure 8. The simulated and measured reflectances of the MS samples at x- and y-polarized wave
Figure 8. The
incidence: (a)simulated and(b)
coding a; and coding b.reflectances of the MS samples at x- and y-polarized wave
measured
Figure 8. The simulated and measured reflectances of the MS samples at x- and y-polarized wave
incidence: (a) coding a; and (b) coding b.
incidence: (a) coding a; and (b) coding b.
Figure 9a,b shows the RCS reduction of the MS samples under oblique incidence. The RCS
reduction
Figure is greater than 10RCS dB in the frequency rangesamples
of 5.5–15 GHz under normal incidence. For a
Figure9a,b 9a,bshows
showsthe the RCSreduction
reductionofofthe theMSMS samplesunder underoblique
obliqueincidence.
incidence.The TheRCS
RCS
small
reductionoblique incidence of 10°, the average magnitude of RCS reduction is basically consistent with
reduction is greater than 10 dB in the frequency range of 5.5–15 GHz under normal incidence. Fora a
is greater than 10 dB in the frequency range of 5.5–15 GHz under normal incidence. For
the one
small of 0°. With the ◦ , the average
incident angle increasing to 20° and 30°, the RCS reduction effect is
smalloblique
obliqueincidence
incidenceofof10 10°, the averagemagnitude
magnitudeofofRCS RCSreduction
reductionisisbasically
basicallyconsistent
consistentwith
with
suppressed
the one of 0 ◦ . obviously.
With the However,
incident angleit still presents
increasing to 20 ◦ and than
a more 30 ◦ , the
5 dB of RCS
RCS reduction
reduction effectinis asuppressed
broadband
the one of 0°. With the incident angle increasing to 20° and 30°, the RCS reduction effect is
frequencyHowever,
obviously. range. A itcomparison
still presents of aperformance
more than a5(Table 1) shows
dB of than
RCS that inoura broadband
design has a superior
suppressed obviously. However, it still presents more 5reduction
dB of RCS reduction in a frequency
broadband
performance
range. in bandwidth
A comparison and magnitude of shows
RCS reductions compared with the previous reported
frequency range. A of performance
comparison of (Table 1)
performance that our
(Table design
1) shows has aour
that superior
designperformance
has a superiorin
works [22,33,41,42].
bandwidth and In other
magnitude of RCSwords, a considerable
reductions compared RCS
with reduction
the of reported
previous matrix-type
works random coding
[22,33,41,42].
performance in bandwidth and magnitude of RCS reductions compared with the previous reported
InMS
works
canwords,
other be achieved
[22,33,41,42].
in oblique
a considerable RCSincident
In other words, reductioncase, which further
of matrix-type
a considerable
verifies
random
RCS reduction
the excellent
coding MS can be
of matrix-type
RCS reduction
achieved
random in
coding
characteristic
oblique incident within
case, a widefurther
which range of incident
verifies the angles compared
excellent RCS with previous
reduction works [17,18].
characteristic within a wide
MS can be achieved in oblique incident case, which further verifies the excellent RCS reduction
range of incident
characteristic angles
within compared
a wide rangewith previous
of incident works
angles [17,18]. with previous works [17,18].
compared
25 25
(a) coding a (0°) (b) coding b (0°)
coding a (10°)
reduction/dB

coding b (10°)
reduction/dB

25
20 coding a (20°°) 25
20
(a) coding a (0 )
coding a (30°°) (b) coding bb ((20
coding °
0°))
°
coding bb ((30
10°))
reduction/dB

coding a (10 ) coding

reduction/dB

20
15 coding a (20°) 20
15 coding b (20°)
coding a (30°)
coding b (30°)
15
10 15
10
RCSRCS

RCSRCS

10
5 10
5

05 05
6 8 10 12 14 16 6 8 10 12 14 16
0 Frequency/GHz 0 Frequency/GHz
6 8 10 12 14 16 6 8 10 12 14 16
Frequency/GHz Frequency/GHz ◦,
Figure9.9.Measured
Figure MeasuredRCS
RCSreduction
reductionofofsamples
samplesunder
undernormal
normalincidence
incidenceand
andoblique
obliqueincidence
incidenceofof1010°,
◦ , and 30◦ : (a) coding a; and (b) coding b.
2020°, and 30°: (a) coding a; and (b) coding b.
Figure 9. Measured RCS reduction of samples under normal incidence and oblique incidence of 10°,
20°, and 30°: (a) codingofa;the
and (b) coding b.
Table1.1.Comparison
Table Comparison of thedesigned
designedmetasurface
metasurfacewith
withsimilar
similarworks
workspresented
presentedininthe
theliterature.
literature.

Table 1. Comparison
Ref.Ref. of theO.
designed
BW.
O. BW. metasurface
(GHz)
(GHz) with
R.
R. similar
BW.
BW. (%) works
(%) RCSpresented
RCS in the literature.
R. (dB)
R. (dB)
[33][33]
Ref. 3.1–3.4
O. BW. (GHz)
3.1–3.4
9.2
R. BW.
9.2 (%) RCS 10
10 R. (dB)
[41][41] 6–186–18 100
100 5 5
[33] 3.1–3.4 9.2 10
[42][42] 9.9–19.4
9.9–19.4 64.8
64.8 10 10
[41] 6–18 100 5
[22][22] 17–42
17–42 84.7
84.7 10 10
[42]
This work 9.9–19.4
5.5–15 64.8
92.7 10 10
This work 5.5–15 92.7 10
[22]
O. BW.: 17–42R. BW.: Relative bandwidth;
Operation bandwidth; 84.7 10
RCS R.: RCS reduction.
O. BW.: Operation bandwidth; R. BW.: Relative bandwidth; RCS R.: RCS reduction.
This work 5.5–15 92.7 10
O. BW.: Operation bandwidth; R. BW.: Relative bandwidth; RCS R.: RCS reduction.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1231 10 of 12

4. Conclusions
In this study, a series of matrix-type random coding MSs is designed to explore the RCS reduction
characteristic. The coding method of MS with different ratio of “0” and “1” units is proposed, and then,
the RCS reduction mechanism of different arrangements is discussed theoretically. To analyze the
energy scattering characteristic of random coding sequences, the designed MSs were simulated to
get the RCS reduction curves and the scattering patterns under normal incidence. For MS samples
of coding a and b, the reflectance was less than −10 dB on average under x- and y-polarized wave
incidence in the frequency range of 5.8–15.5 GHz, the average RCS reduction is basically larger than
10 dB under normal incidence in the frequency range of 5.5–15 GHz. The matrix–type coding MS
presents a broadband RCS reduction characteristic. At oblique incidence, an effective RCS reduction
characteristic can also be achieved. Compared with previous works [21–24,33–42], our design of
the matrix-type random coding MSs has better broadband RCS reduction and wide-angle incidence
tolerance. The designed MS is expected to have potential applications in the field of stealth.

Author Contributions: J.J.Y. and Y.Z.C. designed and performed the experiments; D.Q. and R.Z.G. analyzed the
data and contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools; J.J.Y. wrote the paper; and Y.Z.C. and R.Z.G. revised
the paper.
Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1435209, and 61605147),
and the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei China (Grant No. 2017CFB588).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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