Dr
Darren Cadman
(Loughborough University)Prof.
Yiannis Vardaxoglou
(Loughborough University)
This presentation will outline the vision, scope and objectives of the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded Grand Challenge project *Synthesising 3D metamaterials for RF, microwave & THz applications*. With a total investment of five million pounds over five years, SYMETA aims to develop additive manufacturing (AM) techniques to produce a palette of 3D metamaterials. When combined, these metamaterials will influence and control the electromagnetic (EM) performance of devices such as substrates, filters, transmission lines, antennas and lens. The multidisciplinary research consortium includes materials and material processing expertise at Sheffield and Loughborough Universities, manufacturing capability at Loughborough, EM design, modelling, test and characterisation at Loughborough, Exeter, Oxford and Queen Mary London universities. The academic consortitium is working closely with a number of cross sector industrial partners.
Over the next five years, the consortium will investigate a range of AM processes, such as fused deposition modelling and material jetting, and materials that provide a variety of dielectric and conductive properties coupled with optimised feature resolution. Starting with the development of an RF demonstrator at low GHz frequencies, the designs and processes will then be adapted for the production of demonstrators at X-band through to THz. Structures and circuit designs will be created using a palette of novel unit cell designs (meta-atoms) that in certain arrangements will provide either enhanced EM properties or the desired frequency response.
The project is in its early stages and is keen to communicate its vision and encourage further engagement from industry. SYMETA has the potential to change how we approach manufacturing to reduce costs, timescales and environmental impact whilst increasing functionality.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CONSIDERATION
Presenting our emerging programme of multidisciplinary research to industry partners will help influence and guide our future focus while aligning it to both industry’s and the wider microwave community’s requirements for AM materials and processes. We are aware of the many R&D challenges that the sector faces and believe that over the next five years we can expedite the adoption of AM for microwave applications and products.
Our research will be of relevance to the space sector through the materials deployed, the manufacturing processes adopted and the potential end use. For example, we will be developing demonstrators as part of the research programme one of which we envisage as a metamaterial based scanning antenna array operating at X band frequencies. Such a demonstrator could provide the platform for the development of cost effective earth based receivers of satellite communications that have a low profile and remove the need for moving parts and pin diodes.
As our project evolves we expect to build a global network of fellow researchers and industrialists who share our interest in this area of innovation. The ability to present at events like this is a significant step in building that network. We will be able to both showcase our own expertise and benefit from the insights and experience of other attendees.
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