Scattering cross-section of a transformation optics-based metamaterial cloak

We present experimental quantitative scattering cross-section (SCS) measurements for a metamaterial cloak. The cloak is nearly identical to that reported in 2006; however, quantitative experimental measurements have not yet been reported for such a structure. This cylindrically symmetric cloak is designed to operate at a frequency of 10 GHz and to reduce the SCS of a cylinder 50 mm in diameter. Despite being only a crude approximation of the ideal transformation optical design, the fabricated metamaterial cloak is shown to reduce the SCS of the cylinder over the frequency range from 9.91 to 10.14GHz, a span of 230MHz or a 2.3% bandwidth. The maximum reduction in the SCS is 24%. This result provides a useful experimental, quantitative benchmark that can form the basis for comparison of the performances of future improved cloaking structures. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschan.