Metamaterial absorbers: Comparative analysis of fabrication techniques and emerging trends

Abstract

The metamaterial absorbers have been artificially designed structures that have controlled and have manipulated electromagnetic waves across different frequency regimes, which have been important in stealth technology, EMI shielding, sensing, and energy harvesting. In particular, the efficiency and reliability of such absorbers have had a close dependence on fabrication methods used to fabricate these absorbers. This review has given an orderly exploration of some recent developments in the fabrication techniques of metamaterial absorbers, grouped into four major classes: Top Down, printingbased, mold-assisted, and laser-based approaches. Each technique has been qualitatively compared based on resolution, manufacturing cost, scalability, substrate compatibility, structural complexity, duration of fabrication, frequency suitability, and absorption efficiency. A general comparison has summarized the advantages and limitations of each technique. The review also has outlined emerging trends that could shape the next generation of high-performance metamaterial absorbers.