New research led by Exeter University has shown how the unique properties of #graphene can be used to create artificial structures that can control and manipulate electromagnetic radiation over different wavelengths.
A team of international scientists, led by Exeter’s Prof Geoff Nash have engineered a new hybrid structure - or metamaterial - that is claimed to possess specific characteristics that are not found in natural materials.
According to the university, the team combined nano-ribbons of graphene, in which electrons are able to oscillate backwards and forwards, together with a split ring resonator, which is a type of antenna.
Careful design of these two elements leads to a system that interacts strongly with electromagnetic radiation. In these experiments the team used light with very long wavelengths to show that these new structure can be used as a type of optical switch to interrupt, and turn on and off, a beam of this light very quickly.
The collaborative international research included Dr Sergey Mikhailov at the University of Augsburg, Germany, and Prof Jérôme Faist at ETH Zurich.
In a statement, Prof Geoff Nash, from Exeter University’s Department of Engineering said: “In these novel results we demonstrate a new type of structure which can be used not only as an exciting test bed to explore the underlying new science, but that could form the basis of a range of technologically important components.”
http://m.theengineer.co.uk/1021509.article?mobilesite=enabled
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