Scattering analysis for PEC and dielectric bodies using characteristic modes

Characteristic mode (CM) theory has recently attracted great attention from antenna engineers. In addition to its great potential in antenna developments, the application of the CM theory to the analysis of scattering cross-section (SCS) is discussed in this paper. The CM theory turns out to be a powerful tool in the investigation of the contributions of each mode to the SCS. Such investigation provides useful information for the SCS pattern controlling. It also gives guidelines for the determination of the number of modes in the synthesis of scattering pattern. Numerical results are presented for general three-dimensional perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) and dielectric objects.