Electromagnetic periodic structures and metamaterials for imaging and wireless technology

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The rapid expansion of wireless networking and the inclusion of wireless functionality in everyday devices is driving the ongoing development of wireless technology. Growing consumer appetite for mobile devices coupled with the emergence of the internet of things and machine to machine networking has led to growth that is projected to bring the number of connected devices to 20 billion by 2022. In recent years, periodic structures and metamaterials (artificial materials with exotic electromagnetic responses) have provided new techniques for electromagnetic field manipulation that have led to advances in imaging, antennas, radio-frequency circuits, and more. This Discovery Grant investigates the electromagnetic properties of periodic structures and metamaterials in order to improve the performance of high-resolution superlenses and develop innovative solutions in wireless technology. Recent studies by our group have demonstrated that current superlens designs suffer from imaging artifacts caused by the way light scatters at the edges of lenses. We will investigate how modifications to the edge geometry and underlying metamaterial properties can suppress these artifacts and achieve robust high-resolution imaging. This work has applications in imaging microscopy, micro-fabrication, nano-scale lenses, and more. We will also explore the use of periodic structures and metamaterials in two applications of contemporary interest: wireless sensing and wireless power transfer. In the first, we design passive sensing layers that can be integrated within object surfaces to provide information about the condition of those surfaces. The sensing layers are scanned by an external reader device, providing non-invasive sensing at a distance with high sensitivity. In the second, we look at chains of resonant coils designed to transfer power through the air over large distances with high efficiency. This work has applications in distributed wireless power transfer systems for homes, commercial buildings, and transportation infrastructure. This approach to research on metamaterial imaging and wireless technology provides opportunities for students to develop a strong foundation in the electromagnetic theory of periodic structures while also gaining experience in experimental and applied research. In particular, training students to analyze non-canonical structures like metamaterials provides a deeper understanding of the underlying physics of wave propagation, which better prepares them for a career in applied electromagnetics. All research projects under this program are based on the philosophy of mastering the relevant electromagnetic theory before investigating any specific applications. This helps all program participants, from the principal investigator to graduate students and undergraduate research assistants, to develop mastery of electromagnetic principles, improve problem solving skills, and even inspire new research ideas.