Metamaterials for sensing & security

Materials for acoustic, biological, chemical and electromagnetic applications to protect goods and people

Our expertise in acoustic and electromagnetic metamaterials research enables us to develop new materials that can find application in protecting goods and people from external impact. This can range from civil applications (theft, noise, gas protection) to vital developments in the defence and security sector for our government.

For example, our researchers

• advance sensor systems to improve sensitivity for detecting physical, chemical, and biological entities at the micro/nanoscale;
• study the fundamental physics of acoustic, thermal and electrical transport within materials and across interfaces to investigate potential for active sensing. 
• use chalcogenide phase-change ('active') metamaterials to deliver active optical metasurfaces that can work from the UV right out to the THz, and with applications ranging from LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) to chemical sensing;
• develop and study structured electromagnetic metasurfaces and 3D metamaterials and composites (including magnetic composites) that exhibit novel and valuable phenomena such as
  • control of energy and data propagation;
  • enhancement of the performance of detectors and antennas (reducing size and weight, increasing efficiency)
  • control of field distribution (signature control) and beam steering;
  • radiation filtering and absorption;
  • for imaging and sensing
• use metamaterial concepts ('meta-atoms') to produce novel Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags to protect retail merchandise with metal packaging from theft;
• study acoustic metamaterials and metasurfaces to control the propagation of sound in air and underwater through absorption, filtering or channelling;
• use structured surfaces to reduce or filter the noise associated with hydrodynamic noise.

CMRI researchers are passionate about applying their knowledge to practical challenges and welcome opportunities to form new partnerships with sector stakeholders. As a result of our solutions-focussed approach and reputation for research, metamaterials form one of the key pillars of the 'Technology Advantage' theme in the Exeter Defence, Security and Resilience Network. 

If you have any questions or ideas to explore, don't hesitate to get in touch: metamaterials@exeter.ac.uk.