Radar & MMW-Tunable Plasma Frequency Selective Surfaces for Shielding Radar Systems

"The performance of any radar, antenna, or electronic system depends on its ability to project and defend itself against various forms of electromagnetic interference including frequencies in the S and X band. Our proposal is to design a plasma barrier andtunable frequency selective surfaces that can be turned on and off on demand to shield antennas, radar, or electronic equipment. Metallic frequency selective surfaces (FSS) have been used as filters for electromagnetic energy. The problem with metal ondielectric frequency selective surfaces is that the filtering is fixed and cannot be made to appear or disappear on demand. In our proposed research on plasma frequency selective surfaces, we are replacing the metal in FSS by plasma elements. Plasma offersthe possibility of improved shielding and the advantages of reconfigurability and stealth. We will research and design tunable filtering of electromagnetic waves which will pass the desired signals and reflect or absorb the undesired signals with theflexibility of performing in a variety of military environments. Tunable plasma barriers and tunable plasma frequency selective surfaces have wide application in commercial applications. Ultra wide band technology and communications technology has tosatisfy strict standards set down by the FCC on interference issues. Often times it is difficult for a technology to satisfy FCC standards and become marketable. With tunable plasma barriers and