Transparently curved metamaterial with broadband millimeter wave absorption

Abstract

We present a conformal metamaterial with simultaneous optical transparency and broadband millimeter-wave absorption for a curved surface. By tailoring the reflection response of meta-atoms at oblique angles, it is possible to achieve excellent absorption performance from 26.5 to 40.0 GHz within a wide angular range from 0° to 60° for transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic waves. In the meantime, by employing transparent substrates, including polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate, good optical transmittance (80.1%) and flexibility are obtained simultaneously. The reflectivity of a curved metallic surface coated with the proposed curved metamaterial is simulated and measured experimentally. Both results demonstrate excellent absorption performance of the metamaterial, which is highly favored for practical applications.