This cylindrical radial superlattice structure utilizes concentric alternating non-magnetic/magnetic layers to compose a low loss radio frequency conductor. Radio waves are used to transmit information in many devices including mobile phones, GPS, wireless internet, and television. When transmitting or receiving a signal, these devices must carry a radio frequency electric current through their circuits to translate radio signal into sound, video, or information. Unfortunately, high frequency currents cause magnetic interferences called the skin and proximity effects. These effects result in increased conductor loss and, therefore, more power consumption and signal loss, ultimately greatly reducing battery life in the mobile devices and deteriorating communication quality. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a cylindrical radial superlattice structure composed of concentric alternating non-magnetic and magnetic layers for improved radio frequency resistance suppression. This alternating structure reduces the eddy current effect and the skin effect at the targeted frequency and allows the superlattice conductor to be used in manufacturing of low loss radio frequency components especially for 5G communication and millimeter wave applications.
Low resistance conductor improves performance of radio and microwave frequency transmissions
The cylindrical radial superlattice structure is composed of alternating concentric permalloy (i.e., nickel-iron, nickel-iron-cobalt, etc.) and non-permalloy (i.e., aluminum, copper, etc.) layers. The permalloy layers and non-permalloy layers are designed to produce negative permeability and positive permeability, respectively, at the target frequency. This results in an eddy current canceling effect, suppressing radio frequency conductor loss, and improving power efficiency and signal integrity.