Reconfigurable FSS based on movable 3D-printed metal-dielectric grids

A reconfigurable frequency selective surface (FSS) based on movable 3D-printed grids is present in this paper. By moving the 3D-printed grid up and down in purposely made channels between two adjacent unit cells, a reconfigurable FSS with different frequency responses could be achieved. The FSS unit with channels and the insertable grids are first simulated and studied using Ansys HFSS. Then a 9 × 9 FSS array with channels is fabricated using standard etching techniques and milling. Finally, the FSS structure and the insertable grids are tested under various conditions. This work aims to demonstrate a new concept for the reconfigurable FSS based on movable metallic and dielectric grids. These are based on low-cost, high-flexibility, and ease-of-fabrication 3D printing technique, and provide a new path for designing reconfigurable FSSs by inserting and removing materials with different electrical properties to achieve different frequency responses.