A newly developed metamaterial absorber (MTMA) is proposed in this study for use in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for stealth-related applications. The structure employs a symmetric layout with a thunder cross pattern, enhancing its exceptional absorption capabilities. The metamaterial absorber unit cell is fabricated using an FR4 substrate, with its dimensions measured as \(0.28\lambda _0 \times 0.28\lambda _0 \times 0.02\lambda _0\) , based on a reference wavelength \(\lambda _0\) calculated at 10.76 GHz. The designed metamaterial absorber (MA) demonstrates nearly complete absorption, peaking at 99.99% at 10.76 GHz for both transverse electric (TE) and magnetic field (TM) orientations under normal incidence. The absorption mechanism of the MTMA is examined through an integrated approach involving its structural design, metamaterial traits, ECM formulation, and the characterization of surface current responses, electrical and magnetic field vectors. Moreover, the designed absorber sustains strong absorption characteristics under TE and TM mode excitations across varying incidence angles as high as \(60^\circ\) . The designed MA exhibits a shielding performance, ensuring a shielding effectiveness exceeding 60 dB throughout the entire band in both simulated and experimental conditions. This effectively reduces RF signal strength, minimizing the influence on devices prone to electromagnetic interference. To validate the analytical simulation results, the designed MA was fabricated as well as tested. The match in comparison of the measured and simulated data demonstrates its suitability for EMI shielding in the microwave regime.
