A class of linear polarization conversion coding metasurfaces (MSs) based on a metal cut-wire structure is proposed, which can be applied to the reduction properties of radar cross section (RCS). We firstly present a hypothesis based on the principle of planar array theory, and then verify the RCS reduction characteristics using linear polarization conversion coding MSs by simulations and experiments. The simulated results show that in the frequency range of 6–14 GHz, the linear polarization conversion ratio reaches a maximum value of 90%, which is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. For normal incident x- and y-polarized waves, RCS reduction of designed coding MSs 01/01 and 01/10 is essentially more than 10 dB in the above-mentioned frequency range. We prepare and measure the 01/10 coding MS sample, and find that the experimental results in terms of reflectance and RCS reduction are in good agreement with the simulated ones under normal incidence. In addition, under oblique incidence, RCS reduction is suppressed as the angle of incidence increases, but still exhibits RCS reduction effects in a certain frequency range. The designed MS is expected to have valuable potential in applications for stealth field technology.

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.