Development of “tuned microwave absorbers” using U-type hexaferrite

The paper presents that microwave absorption is tunable with sample thickness over a frequency range if electromagnetic properties of the sample do not change with frequency in that range. The work summarizes the results of polycrystalline samples of two U-type hexaferrite series: Ba4 (Co1−5x P2x)2 Fe36 O60 (0.0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.20 in step 0.05) and (Ba1−3x La2x)4 Co2 Fe36 O60 (0.10 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.25 in step 0.05) that have been prepared through solid state reaction route. The complex permittivity, permeability and microwave absorbing properties have been discussed in detail for X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) frequencies. The results show that the substitution of Co2+ ion with P5+ ion and Ba2+ ion with La3+ ion in the U-type-hexaferrite provides the desired electromagnetic properties for a “tuned microwave absorber” in samples with x = 0.05 and 0.20 of first and 0.20 sample of second series. In these samples, the microwave absorption peak (of >98%) shifts linearly from lower to upper side of X-band with sample thickness. These materials can provide significant application for reduction of radar cross section (RCS) and in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.