A Single-Layer Spin-Multiplexed Metasurface for Chameleon-Like Electromagnetic Camouflage and Low Detectability

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel methodology for designing electromagnetic (EM) camouflage metasurfaces. Initially, a temperature-sensitive resistor is embedded within the chiral atom, allowing temperature-induced variations to selectively modulate the reflection amplitude of the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) wave. Subsequently, the reflected phases of both the right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) and LCP waves are independently modulated, ensuring that the two phases span the full 2π range. Ultimately, the atoms are strategically arranged to facilitate the realization of various camouflage functions. As a proof of concept, a metasurface demonstrating chameleon-like camouflage and low detectability is simulated, fabricated, and experimentally validated. When the LCP wave is incident, retroreflection occurs at a specific angle. Similar to a chameleon, the radar cross section (RCS) varies in response to temperature changes. When an RCP wave is incident, an average RCS reduction greater than 12 dB is achieved in X and Ku band. Furthermore, at an incident angle of 60°, the metasurface maintains an RCS reduction exceeding 8.5 dB. Both simulation and experimental results confirm that the proposed metasurface effectively combines the advantages of chameleon-like camouflage with broadband, large-angle low detectability, demonstrating its potential for applications in electromagnetic camouflage.