Scan Angle Stability of a Second-Order Plasma-Switched Frequency Selective Surface

L. W. Cross[1], M. J. Almalkawi[2]
[1]Imaging Systems Technology, Toledo, OH, USA
[2]EECS Department, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
Veröffentlicht in 2013

Large-area, light-weight electromagnetic protection (EP) structures are needed to protect sensitive microwave sensors and communications systems from high-power microwave (HPM) and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats. This paper presents the use of COMSOL Multiphysics® for electromagnetic simulation of a plasma-based frequency selective surface (FSS) structure that can provide significant shielding in harsh environments. The second-order structure contains encapsulated plasma elements, with plasma modeled as homogeneous negative permittivity dielectric material, and is transparent at X-band in the off state and blocks energy in the on state. Off state performance is stable in terms of frequency and bandwidth across wide incidence (scan) angles, and significant switchable attenuation is predicted in the on state.