RPF 13/14 Electromagnetic properties of nanostructured materials

We have purchased a calibration kit capable of functioning to 20GHz for our Vector Network Analyser. We have designed and fabricated a coaxial shielding effectiveness jig capable of operating from dc up to 20GHz, on small (~43mm dia.) samples, suitable for determining the electromagnetic properties of planar material samples. The jig fabrication of the jig took longer than anticipated due to production delays in the mechanical workshops and the need to make modifications to the initial design to ensure adequate mechanical stability. Tests on initial samples with known properties have recently (June 2015) been completed (see progress report) and show that the jig operates though with some imperfections. We have purchased and commissioned a process oven and are about to begin the process of fabricating material samples containing nano particles. A further optimisation of the coaxial jig design is also planned. We have also carried out an extensive literature survey on material characterisation techniques included in the progress report (July 2015). We have also developed and validated software to help with material parameter extraction from various electromagnetic measurements ( the fundamental material parameters can seldom be directly measured at high frequencies). Follow on work in the use of nano-fabricated materials for drug delivery is ongoing within the physical layer group (CATMINT) and other University research groups. Follow on proposals for the fabrication of novel materials are in the planning stage.