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arXiv · 2607.18900

Switchable selective backscatter modulation via the Kerker effect

K. J. Cowan·C. M. Hooper·C. P. Gallagher·S. J. Berry·A. P. Hibbins·A. W. Powell
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Abstract

We design a reflective scatterer that operates only in the backscatter direction using modulation of the Kerker effect. This being a phenomena where the resonant modes of a scattering object produce total destructive interference in the backscatter direction. Our design consists of a dielectric shell and an interior metal element that provide the required dipolar contributions for Kerker interference with angular stability. By incorporating a PIN diode, we obtain a scatterer that exhibits strong amplitude modulation in the backscattering direction that is weaker at other bistatic angles. Backscatter modulation is a key technology to connect everyday objects but can be vulnerable to eavesdropping, the device presented in this work may help guard against such flaws.

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K. J. Cowan, C. M. Hooper, C. P. Gallagher, S. J. Berry, A. P. Hibbins, A. W. Powell. 2026-07-21. Switchable selective backscatter modulation via the Kerker effect. https://arxiv.org/abs/2607.18900

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