Physics World Weekly Podcast
How the UK Metamaterials Network supports scientific and commercial innovation
Dec 5, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Alastair Hibbins, a metamaterials expert from the University of Exeter, and Claire Dancer, a commercialization guru from the University of Warwick, dive into the transformative world of metamaterials. They reveal innovative applications like soundproof materials and advanced mobile lenses. The duo shares insights on the UK Metamaterials Network, highlighting its growth and impact on research and industry. They also express excitement about future collaborations and the welcoming of their thousandth member by 2025.
27:54
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Quick takeaways
- The UK Metamaterials Network fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government to enhance research and development in metamaterials.
- Innovative metamaterial applications, like soundproofing and advanced optical lenses, demonstrate significant potential for improving various everyday technologies.
Deep dives
Understanding Metamaterials
Metamaterials are artificially engineered structures that provide functionalities not typically available in natural materials. They are crafted through the precise arrangement of unit cells to achieve desired properties, enabling applications like cloaking and advanced optical functions. This concept has roots in ancient history, yet modern advancements, particularly since the late 1990s, have revitalized interest and innovation in this field. The ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves and other properties through structural design makes metamaterials a critical area of research in material science.
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