GPS News  
Science moves closer to tiny electronics

Metamaterials, also known as left-handed materials, are exotic, artificially created materials that provide optical properties not found in natural materials. Natural materials refract light, or electromagnetic radiation, to the right of the incident beam at different angles and speeds.
by Staff Writers
Boulder, Colo. (UPI) Mar 20, 2008
U.S. scientists have discovered thin films of "metamaterials" can reduce the size of resonating circuits that generate microwaves.

National Institute of Standards and Technology researchers said the use of metamaterials -- man-made composites engineered to offer strange combinations of electromagnetic properties -- is a step toward substantially shrinking the size of electronic devices such as cell phones, radios and radar equipment.

The researchers performed calculations and simulations of two-dimensional surface versions of so-called metafilms composed of metallic patches or dielectric pucks. Vibrating particles in the metafilms cause incoming electromagnetic energy to behave in unique ways.

The scientists deduced the effects of placing a metafilm across the inside center of a common type of resonator -- a cavity in which microwaves continuously ricochet back and forth.

While other research groups have shown filling part of the cavity with bulk metamaterials allows resonators to shrink beyond the usual size limit, the NIST team said the same effect can be achieved with a single metafilm, which consumes less space, allowing for the possibility of smaller resonators and less energy loss.

The complex research appears in the journal Microwaves, Antennas & Propagation.

Related Links
Computer Chip Architecture, Technology and Manufacture
Nano Technology News From SpaceMart.com



Memory Foam Mattress Review
Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily
XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News


Study: Electronics revolution now in sight
Gaithersburg, Md. (UPI) Mar 20, 2008
U.S. scientists say they've set the stage for the "evolutionary link" between today's microelectronics and future devices made from organic molecules.







  • Europe's EADS finds sweet home in Alabama despite uproar
  • A380 superjumbo makes European debut in London
  • Aviation industry must act fast on climate change: Airbus chief
  • Northrop, EADS to invest 600 mln dlrs in Alabama site

  • 'Green' cars boost Thai auto industry
  • Green cars to compete for 10-million-dollar prize
  • Hybrid cars may affect power distribution
  • Eden Energy Advances Practicality Of Hydrogen Cars

  • Northrop Grumman Ships First Beyond-Line-of-Sight IP Network To US Air Force E-8C Fleet
  • Northrop Grumman Delivers Payload Module For Second Advanced EHF Military Communications Satellite
  • Orbital Awarded Contract For System F6 Satellite Program By DARPA
  • Lockheed Martin Completes Rigorous Test Of First Advanced Military Communications Satellite

  • Russia studying US missile proposals after upbeat talks
  • Russia obtained US guarantees on missile shield: Lavrov
  • US-Russia fail to end missile defence dispute
  • US-Russia deal on missile shield possible by early 2009: Gates

  • Prized fish the latest liquid asset for Asia's super-rich
  • Mediterranean tuna at risk from 'bloated' fishing fleet: WWF
  • Green group issues warning over nanotechnology in food
  • Brazilian protesters destroy GM crops: group

  • Louisiana System Built Homes Completes First Fortified For Safer Living Home
  • Mozambique tourist resort struggles to recover from cyclone
  • Mozambican government seeks urgent food aid after cyclone
  • Albania's blast toll mounts as rescuers look for victims

  • Russian-Launched US Satellite Unlikely To Reach Target Orbit
  • Artemis Provides Communications For Jules Verne ATV
  • New Discovery At Jupiter Could Help Protect Earth-Orbit Satellites
  • Quasicrystal Mystery Unraveled With Computer Simulation

  • iRobot Receives Award For DARPA LANdroids Program
  • Coming soon to Japan: remote control with a wink
  • Japanese cellphones to turn into 'robot' buddies
  • Killer Military Robots Pose Latest Threat To Humanity

  • The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement