A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking ultra-thin material that absorbs electromagnetic waves with unmatched efficiency across a wide range of frequencies. This breakthrough could transform industries like energy, defense, and communication.
Absorbing materials are crucial for technologies that harvest energy, improve communication networks, and make stealth systems more effective.
For example, they help create self-powered devices like remote sensors and internet-connected gadgets by efficiently capturing electromagnetic energy.
In stealth technology, they reduce radar visibility for aircraft and ships.
They also improve communication systems by cutting down interference and stray signals.
To meet growing demands for compact, high-performance materials, researchers have been working to improve the bandwidth—the range of frequencies absorbed—of these layers. Until now, there has been a limit on how much bandwidth could be achieved with thin absorbing materials, and most existing designs fall short of their full potential.
In a study published in Nature Communications, Professor Younes Ra’di and his team introduced a revolutionary way to design ultra-thin absorbers that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Using their new concept, they created and tested a material with a record-breaking bandwidth-to-thickness ratio, meaning it can absorb a much wider range of frequencies while remaining extremely thin.
“Our design brings us very close to the ultimate performance limit for thin absorbers,” explained Ra’di. “This innovation could address major challenges in industries like defense, energy harvesting, and advanced communication systems.”
The team’s proof-of-concept absorber uses a unique dispersive grid-based design to achieve its impressive results. By capturing more electromagnetic energy with less material, the technology has the potential to make devices smaller, more efficient, and more sustainable.
“This achievement is exciting not just for science but also for practical applications,” said Ra’di. “Our work has already attracted attention from industries worldwide, and I’m incredibly proud of my team’s dedication.”
This breakthrough opens the door to a new generation of technologies that could benefit everything from renewable energy systems to stealthy military equipment and faster, more reliable communication networks.
Source: Syracuse University.
