VO2-driven Polarization-Insensitive Conformal Meta-structure Unlocking the Reconfigurability in Terahertz Regime

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative multifunctional wideband conformal metasurface structure using phase-changing vanadium dioxide. It consists of “quad dual-connected arrows-shaped VO₂ resonators” on an amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO₂) substrate backed with a 0.2-µm-thick gold layer. This unique design functions as a reflector and absorber offering a novel contribution in the terahertz frequency range. Each unit cell covers a 6-THz bandwidth from 5.6 to 11.6 THz with more than 90% absorptivity and reflectivity. For deeper insight, the paper also explores its circuit model, surface currents, and field distributions. Furthermore, this wideband absorber maintains its performance at incident angles up to 55°, showing polarization-insensitive behavior. The simulated absorptivity aligns well with the absorptivity extracted using an equivalent circuit model (ECM). Its outstanding performance makes it suitable for electromagnetic interference-EMC, biomedical, and stealth applications.