Reconfigurable Metasurface as Microwave Reflectors and Polarization Converters

An ultrathin metasurface is made reconfigurable through the use of unit cells incorporating voltage-controlled varactor diodes. The phase characteristics of each unit cell are individually controlled for reconfigurability mechanisms. Two main applications are proposed in the domain of microwave devices and antennas. The planar metasurface is illuminated by a primary source and is firstly used as reconfigurable reflector allowing beam steering performances and frequency agility. A second functionality is also demonstrated, where the metasurface is used as a reconfigurable polarizer. Measurements are performed on a fabricated prototype to validate the concept.