Low RCS patch array antenna with electromagnetic bandgap using a conducting polymer

Abstract

This paper provides a radar absorbing method to reduce the radar cross section of the patch array antennas without any loss of antenna performances. The method was based upon the electromagnetic bandgap absorber using a conducting polymer. First, the patch array antenna with a central frequency of 3.0 GHz was designed. Then, the EBG patterns were also designed that had a radar absorbing performance within the X-band. Second, the designed low RCS patch array antenna was fabricated using glass fiber-reinforced composites and conducting polymer. Finally, the antenna performances and the RCS of the fabricated antenna were measured in order to confirm the radar absorbing efficiency and to show the feasibility of the low RCS patch array antenna in the X-band.