Frequency Selective Surfaces

Another metamaterial application being developed by Prime is frequency selective surfaces (FSSs).  FSSs filter selected radio frequencies or optical wavelengths by tailoring transmission or reflection characteristics of the FSS material.  For example, a frequency selective surface may be designed to behave like a mirror a certain range of frequencies, and to allow other frequencies to freely pass through the FSS.    In contrast to metallic FSSs, Prime all-dielectric FSSs are unique in their ability to handle very high power densities, provide low ohmic losses and can provide superior frequency selectivity.  Prime is currently developing all-dielectric FSSs for a military high power microwave application, but the same technology can have significant utility in applications where FSSs are required to handle ultra high power, be highly efficient, have a compact and/or conformal design, redirect energy, or be insensitive to polarization.

A frequency selective surface (FSS) can be part of an antenna radome, which allows the selected (blue) microwave frequencies to pass through it while blocking the undesirable (red) microwave frequencies.

Testing of a Prime curved surface all-dielectric FSS in the Virginia Tech Antenna Group (VTAG) anechoic chamber.