Ultra-broadband microwave metamaterial absorber based on resistive sheets

We investigate a broadband perfect absorber for microwave frequencies, with a wide incident angle, using resistive sheets, based on both simulation and experiment. The absorber uses periodically-arranged meta-atoms, consisting of snake-shape metallic patterns and metal planes separated by three resistive sheet layers between four dielectric layers. We demonstrate the mechanism of the broadband by impedance matching with free space, and the distribution of surface currents at specific frequencies. In simulation, the absorption was over 96% in 1.4–6.0 GHz. The corresponding experimental absorption band over 96% was 1.4–4.0 GHz, however, the absorption was lower than 96% in the 4.0–6.0 GHz range because of the rather irregular thickness of the resistive sheets. Furthermore, it works for wide incident angles and is relatively independent of polarization. The design is scalable to smaller sizes in the THz range. The results of this study show potential for real applications in prevention of microwave frequency exposure, with devices such as cell phones, monitors, and microwave equipment.