Broadband 3-bit coding metasurface antenna with integrated radiation and scattering performance

Abstract

This paper presents the design of an integrated metasurface antenna, which combines a central radiating patch with a quadru-arc (QAS) structure. The metasurface antenna simultaneously achieves high-gain radiation and complex scattering functionality. The modulation of the radiation function is primarily achieved through phase manipulation of the power division feed network, while modulation of the X-polarization scattering function is mainly accomplished by adjusting the arc of the QAS. The effectiveness of this design is verified by designing two metasurface antennas with distinct functionalities. The feed network phases are arranged in a checkerboard pattern in the first approach, resulting in four-beam radiation with a gain of 16 dBi per beam. Additionally, the scattering component utilizes eight scattering structures with a phase difference of 45 degrees to form a 3-bit coding, enabling vortex beam scattering. The second configuration arranges the feed network in phase with the deflected beam, resulting in a deflected beam radiation pattern characterized by a gain of 22.3 dBi. The scattering function is optimized using a simulated annealing-genetic algorithm for phase alignment, resulting in the achievement of RCS reduction across a wide bandwidth range of 8-24 GHz. The proposed metasurface antenna is ultimately fabricated and subjected to rigorous measurements.