About the session
The development of novel materials such as metamaterials, nano-composites, and smart materials with properties that are not naturally occurring have provided an opportunity for the design of improved antenna systems. For example, graded index lenses can be used to significantly improve the directivity, reconfigurable antennas can be used to satisfy changing environment requirements, and mutual coupling can be reduced with carefully designed metamaterial inclusions. In addition, the evolution of additive manufacturing techniques and material processing has shown to have significant consequences for antenna design. The ability to 3D print conductive elements alongside high permittivity dielectrics will prove to be invaluable in the prototyping of antennas.
This two-day meeting will ensure the breadth of research currently being undertaken in these areas are represented fully. The first day will focus on research into the design of novel materials, such as metamaterials, with an emphasis on fabrication limitations. The second day will concentrate on the development of novel manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing. This colloquium aims to bring together experts from these two interdependent and complimentary fields; novel material design and material manufacturing. It will allow the exchange of information on capabilities, an understanding of current limitations and will assist in accelerating the industrial impact.
