Analytical modeling of printed metasurface cavities for computational imaging

We derive simple analytical expressions to model the electromagnetic response of an electrically large printed cavity. The analytical model is then used to develop printed cavities for microwave imaging purposes. The proposed cavity is excited by a cylindrical source and has boundaries formed by subwavelength metallic cylinders (vias) placed at subwavelength distances apart. Given their small size, the electric currents induced on the vias are assumed to have no angular dependence. Applying this approximation simplifies the electromagnetic problem to a matrix equation which can be solved to directly compute the electric current induced on each via. Once the induced currents are known, the electromagnetic field inside the cavity can be computed for every location. We verify the analytical model by comparing its prediction to full-wave simulations. To utilize this cavity in imaging settings, we perforate one side of the printed cavity with radiative slots such that they act as the physical layer of a computational imaging system. An analytical approximation for the slots is also developed, enabling us to obtain estimates of the cavity performance in imaging scenarios. This ability allows us to make informed decisions on the design of the printed metasurface cavity. The utility of the proposed model is further highlighted by demonstrating high-quality experimental imaging; performance metrics, which are consistent between theory and experiment, are also estimated.

Duke Scholars

Author David R. Smith Electrical and Computer Engineering