This nanoscale, multi-layer magnetic and non-magnetic superlattice functions as a low-loss, broad bandwidth radio or microwave frequency conductor, or metaconductor. The conduction loss of radio or microwave is greatly influenced by the conductivity of the materials. The industry of high performance and high-speed electronic devices is rapidly growing and places a great importance on operating efficiently at high frequencies. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed conductors composed of alternating nanometer-thick layers of magnetic and non-magnetic materials that lessen the effect eddy currents have on conductive loss. Experimental results show an improvement of more than three times in the figure of merit (frequency versus effective resistivity) as compared to devices available on the market. This metaconductor can be applied to a number of existing products, such as radio or microwave frequency transmission lines, transformers, and resonators.
Low-loss conductor improves performance and power efficiency of radio and microwave frequency transmissions
This magnetic and non-magnetic superlattice is designed to produce negative-permeability and positive permeability, respectively, at the frequency of interest, which cancels the generated eddy currents and suppresses radio or microwave frequency conductor loss. The permeability of the magnetic material varies with changing frequencies, while the permeability of the non-magnetic material is fixed. The ratio of layer thicknesses between the magnetic and non-magnetic layers determines the operational frequency and makes the superlattice customizable for specific applications. The metaconductors can be composed of different materials combinations or different geometries to increase the operational bandwidth. This technology can be applied to either cylindrical or planar metaconductors.