A reconfigurable metasurface with independent dynamic modulation of transmission and absorption

• A reconfigurable metasurface enables independent and dynamic control of in-band transmission/reflection and out-of-band absorption, a capability not previously demonstrated. • The structure uses vertically stacked active layers with orthogonal patterning for polarization insensitivity and dual-bias control for decoupled functionality. • Experimental validation shows a high-efficiency transmission window (5.73–7.95 GHz, >85 % efficiency) and broadband dual-band absorption (3.02–5.23 GHz and 11.64–17.25 GHz) with smooth tuning via resistor adjustment. • This design supports four operational modes, offering unprecedented flexibility for adaptive electromagnetic stealth and multi-band radome applications. This study proposes a reconfigurable metasurface for independent dynamic control of in-band transmission switching and out-of-band absorption modulation. The metasurface adopts a vertically stacked structure, including a three-layer resistive top layer with tunable resistors and a bottom second-order frequency-selective surface with PIN diodes, both under independent bias control. Polarization insensitivity is realized through orthogonal metallic patterns and active components. When the bottom PIN diode is OFF, the structure forms a highly efficient transmissive window at 5.73–7.95 GHz with transmission efficiency over 85 %; when ON, it switches to all-reflective. Independently, adjusting adjustable resistors modulates out-of-band absorption from all-reflective to dual-band absorption—maximizing broadband absorption at 3.02–5.23 GHz and 11.64–17.25 GHz (reflection coefficient > -10 dB) while maintaining stable in-band transparency. Equivalent circuit and parametric studies explain its dynamic modulation. Efficient independent dynamic modulation is experimentally demonstrated via prototype fabrication and testing. Quantitative comparison shows the root mean square error of transmission bandwidth between simulated and measured is 0.3 GHz, and for absorption depth is 0.45 dB. The proposed metasurface has great potential for various EM applications and dynamic electromagnetic stealth.