Dual-band and dual-polarized programmable metasurface unit with independent channels

Abstract Highly efficient aperture use and real-time control are important for current RF systems to achieve outstanding system performance. In this paper, we propose a novel dual-band and dual-polarized programmable metasurface unit (PMU) with two switchable phase states. Utilizing the dual-band and dual-polarized properties of parasitic patch antennas, the PMU can realize independent control of two channels by switching the PIN diodes. Because of the separation of frequency bands and orthogonal polarizations, the PMU posesses high isolation between two channels. Meanwhile, spoof surface plasmon polariton and choke structures are designed to further improve channel isolation. Each channel of the PMU has two states (state ‘0’ and state ‘1’) with a 180° phase difference between them, which is the basis for constructing programmable metasurfaces. The simulated and measured results illustrate the excellent performance of the proposed PMU. Through a detailed discussion of the functions of metasurfaces composed of the proposed PMU, the independent control of two channel beams is demonstrated in real time. Hence, the proposed dual-band and dual-polarized PMU may find wide applications in satellite communications, radar systems and other scenarios.