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

Switchable selective backscatter modulation via the Kerker effect

Applied Physics 2026-07-21 v1

Authors: K. J. Cowan , C. M. Hooper , C. P. Gallagher , S. J. Berry , A. P. Hibbins , A. W. Powell

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.

Cite

@article{arxiv.2607.18900,
  title  = {Switchable selective backscatter modulation via the Kerker effect},
  author = {K. J. Cowan and C. M. Hooper and C. P. Gallagher and S. J. Berry and A. P. Hibbins and A. W. Powell},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2607.18900},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

10 pages, 6 figures