volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

Frequency-Selective Surfaces (FSSs) are structures designed to selectively transmit or reflect electromagnetic waves, making them essential for applications requiring precise control over frequency bands and wave propagation characteristics. However, traditional FSS designs face challenges such as fixed geometries, limited scalability, and poor bandwidth efficiency, often requiring compromises between size reduction and performance. To address these limitations, this work introduces the use of Stepped Impedance Resonators (SIRs) to synthesize miniaturized FSS structures with four-legged elements (FLEs). By combining transmission line theory, SIR equations, and parallel coplanar stripline models, an innovative synthesis method is proposed, enabling precise control over spurious frequencies and resulting in a 54% reduction in unit-cell size without sacrificing performance. This approach significantly enhances the feasibility of compact FSS applications. To further improve performance, an arrow-bending technique was introduced to reduce the coupling between adjacent cells, yielding a 30% improvement in isolation. Three distinct surface designs have been fabricated and tested under both normal incidence and oblique angles for TE and TM modes. These designs include the SIR-based FSS cell, an enhanced design featuring arrow bending, and a reverse arrow formation intended to reduce edge effects between adjacent cells. Additionally, measurements demonstrate excellent performance stability, with tolerance maintained for incident angles up to 60°. Experimental validation confirms effective blocking at 10 GHz and highlights the robustness of the design across varying incident angles. Prototypes fabricated from the miniaturized FSS elements show excellent agreement with simulations, underscoring the potential of this method for advanced applications in communications, radar, and electromagnetic shielding.

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Dr. Salem Bousnadji

Professor Larbi Talbi

Dr. Khelifa Hettak

Dr. Mohamed Mamdouh M. Ali