Antenna Decoupling Based on Metamaterials for Modern Naval Platforms

The increasing operational requirements of modern naval vessels demand advanced solutions for the physical integration of subsystems. This is particularly evident in the above-deck areas, where the density of RF sensors has grown significantly. The proliferation of sensors is driven by the need for enhanced communication, surveillance, and electronic warfare capabilities. Consequently, many antennas are now positioned in close proximity to metallic superstructures, a challenging environment for ensuring optimal performance. Typical examples include V/UHF communication antennas clustered around the ship's mast, phased-array radar systems designed for long-range surveillance, and Electronic Warfare antennas that detect, intercept, or counteract adversary signals. These systems often operate simultaneously, further complicating their integration due to potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) and mutual coupling effects. Unfortunately, closely spaced antennas can reduce electromagnetic (EM) isolation between them, degrading overall system performance due to the undesirable effects of mutual coupling.