PLATFORM: Microwave Dielectric Materials

The main activity that the Platform grant will support is the current work in the area of Microwave Dielectric Materials. These materials are used as filter elements in microwave communications systems, as elements in microwave ablation therapy to treat liver cancer and as substrates for antenna elements and oscillators. The Physical Electronics and Materials group is now world recognised with particular expertise in complex dielectrics measurements as a function of temperature, Raman spectroscopy of the materials as a function of temperature and the development of a workable theory of loss. In the Forward Look for the group we envisage the development of PLD ferroelectric films, tuneable or frequency agile materials and the use of MEMS as part of this initiative - the latter being in collaboration with e.g. Chalmers. The research will be carried out by the key post doctoral staff that the Platform is intended to support and we will also develop our already good links with other leading groups in the area such as FZJ, Thales, Sheffield, UMIST and others.