Scientists at the University of Illinois have created sugar cube-sized blocks of an electromagnetic material with potential to transform communication networks.
Several countries are building futuristic communication systems using higher frequency electromagnetic waves to transfer more data at faster rates, but they have lacked network components to handle these higher bandwidths. Researcher J. Gary Eden proved his new device can rapidly switch functionality to perform the varied tasks needed to support a network with carrier frequencies of over 100 gigahertz. The miniscule-scale architecture concealed within the sugar cube blocks is described in Applied Physics Reviews, from AIP Publishing.
“This technology is particularly interesting, because it generates multiple channels operating simultaneously at different frequencies. Basically, this allows multiple conversations to occur over the same network, which is the heart of high-speed wireless communications,” explained Eden.
Plasma is critical for swiftly switching between functions and frequencies, but previous plasma-based electromagnetic crystals were much too large to operate at high frequencies. The key lies in creating a structure with spacing between the plasma and metal columns as small as the wavelength of radiation being manipulated.
The wavelength of electromagnetic waves shortens as the frequency and bandwidth increase. To realize crystals of high bandwidth operating at frequencies above 100 GHz, a small-scale design is required.
Eden’s team developed a 3D-printed scaffold, which served as a negative of the desired network. A polymer was poured in and, once set, microcapillaries 0.3 millimeters in diameter were filled with plasma, metal or a dielectric gas. Using this replica-molding technique, it took nearly five years to perfect the dimensions and spacings of the microcapillaries in the woodpile like lattice.
“Assembling the material was extremely demanding,” said Eden, but eventually, he and his team were able to use their material to observe resonance spanning the 100 GHz to 300 GHz frequency region, which Eden noted as “an enormous spectral range over which to operate.”
The group showed that rapid changes in the electromagnetic characteristics of these crystals — such as switching between reflecting or transmitting signals — could be achieved by simply turning on or off a few plasma columns. Such a capability shows the utility of such a dynamic and energy-efficient device for communications.
Eden is keen to further optimize the fabrication and switching efficiencies of this new device but is also excited to delve into other applications. For instance, the crystal could be tuned to respond to the resonances of specific molecules, e.g., atmospheric pollutants, and be used as a highly sensitive detector.
Learn more: Communications Device Offers Huge Bandwidth Potential
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Futuristic communication systems
- Youth Services System celebrates 50 years of service
Youth Services System celebrates 50 years of creating a better future for children, families, and the community. YSS was founded in 1974 and since then they have built youth shelters, living sites, ...
- 'Super Bowl for space nerds' looks to the future of exploration
To see the future of space, sometimes you have to go to Colorado Springs. For a few days every year, everyone who is anyone in the world of space exploration is at what some attendees affectionately ...
- Laser Communication Triumph: Psyche Mission Data Transmitted via Deep Space Optical System
As NASA’s Psyche spacecraft travels towards its asteroid target, 16 Psyche, to examine this unique, all-metal world with its suite of scientific inst | Space ...
- Vision Marine Technologies Files Patent for Advanced System Communication Encryption in E-Motion Powertrain
Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (the “Company”), a pioneer in electric propulsion innovation, is pleased to announce the patent filing for its cutting-edge Communication Cryptographic System ...
- The digital mining frontier - future developments for process automation in mining
By Hennie Colyn, MMM - Strategic Account Executive at Schneider Electric The digital process automation market is expected to reach a staggering 24.2 Billion by 2028, with a Compound Annual Growth ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Futuristic communication systems
[google_news title=”” keyword=”futuristic communication systems” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Dynamic plasma/metal/dielectric crystals
- Feed has no items.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Dynamic plasma/metal/dielectric crystals
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Dynamic plasma/metal/dielectric crystals” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]