SYnthesizing 3D METAmaterials for RF, microwave and THz applications (SYMETA)

The outcomes of SYnthesizing 3D METAmaterials for RF, Microwave and THz Applications (SYMETA) have the potential for significant academic, economic, societal and environmental impacts. To achieve these outcomes SYMETA will bring together leading expertise in engineering, physics and materials science from five institutions: Loughborough University, University of Exeter, University of Sheffield, Oxford University and Queen Mary, University of London together with twelve industrial partners from a range of sectors including defence and electronics manufacture. The Grand Challenge will be led by Loughborough University.

SYMETA responds to Grand Challenge 3: Engineering across length scales, from atoms to applications. This Challenge area requires researchers to consider design across the scales for both products and systems looking at new approaches to bridge the meso-scale (intermediate-scale) gap and taking into consideration that many engineering systems are dynamic. SYMETA's grand vision is to deliver a palette of novel, multi-functional 3D metamaterials (synthetic composite materials with structure that exhibit properties not usually found in natural materials) using emerging additive manufacturing (AM), with the potential to support a single 'design-build' process. Our goal, to compile a palette of meta-atoms (the basic building blocks of metamaterials) and then to organise these inclusions systematically to give the desired bulk properties, opens up a plethora of new structures. This will not only improve existing applications but inspire new applications by breaking down barriers to innovation.

Introducing these novel structures into the complex world of electronic design will offer a radical new way of designing and manufacturing electronics. The metamaterials will be developed to give end-users the electromagnetic responses they require, for a wide range of communication, electronics, energy and defence applications. The meta-atoms comprising the metamaterial will be micro-scale, i.e. small in comparison to the wavelength of operation, and fabricated from a range of new and existing raw materials, including the incorporation of dielectric, metallic and magnetic components. They will facilitate complex multi-component systems, incorporating elements such as inductors, capacitors, and resistors through to transmission lines and matching circuits and filters, to be created in hybrid and multi system AM - reducing waste, cost and timescales.

The SYMETA project has three overarching research goals:

1. To synthesize a palette of 3D meta-atoms using suitable materials.
2. To construct designer-specified 3D arrangements of meta-atoms using process efficient AM to create metamaterials
3. To build demonstrators for applications at RF, microwave and THz frequency ranges.

Supplementing these research goals SYMETA will:

4. Build a cohort of new knowledge by bringing together multi-disciplinary expertise from a number of institutions and companies and share this knowledge across academic networks.
5. Engage industry, sector relevant professional bodies and the wider academic community to ensure that the potential of this research is recognised and realised. To translate and condense the exciting science to key messages and outcomes and to communicate these to the public to boost the public understanding of science.

The likely impacts of the SYMETA are manifold. It has the potential to transform manufacturing processes and to significantly shorten the time it takes for innovative new technologies to reach consumers whilst reducing waste and removing some of the more harmful processes associated with the manufacturing such as the use of harsh chemicals. This is transformation science, which could place the UK at the leading edge of engineering innovation stimulating economic growth and opening up huge potential for innovation in many sectors from consumer electronics through to defence and space.

The outcomes of SYMETA have the potential for significant academic, economic, societal and environmental impacts. Academically, it will bring together expertise which has been made possible by the rapid advancement of the technological age to bring into reality concepts which have previously been restricted to theoretical investigations. In the research field, the project will open up new avenues of scientific enquiry with the potential to push forward the knowledge boundaries of several specialist areas from pure physics through to manufacturing science. The academic impact of the project is described in detail in the section 'Academic Beneficiaries'.

From an economic perspective, the outcomes of SYMETA will transform the design and manufacture of electronic components and circuitry. Production times will be reduced, the time taken for new technologies to reach their end beneficiaries drastically cut and the costs associated with mass manufacture reduced as waste and time lines are cut. This will be transformational not only for component manufacturers but for the multitude of industries who use these components from space and defence through to consumer electronic devices (e.g. mobile phones, tablet computers). The technology will enable industries to realise many of the aspirations encapsulated in lean manufacturing an important impact as the 2020 vision for the UK electronics sector is to grow the sector's economic contribution to the economy from £78 billion today to £120 billion, presenting an annual growth rate of 6% (Electronics Systems Challenges & Opportunities Report).

As the technology impacts on industry the skills profiles required for the technical workforces that support these industries, are likely to move away from traditional tooling and wet processing to design and 'print' based skills. This will have implications for the training and education of engineers and scientists working in this area. Currently around 856,000 are employed in the UK electronics sector and the sector's goal is to grow this to 1,000,000 by 2020. Exciting research of this kind is attractive to talented potential (and experienced) scientists and researchers. The collaborating institutions will be cascading their research to their teaching activities and developing the engineers and scientists who with the potential to become future industry leaders specialising in this new field. Originating from the UK, the research will establish the UK's reputation as a leading centre of excellence and innovation in this emerging field and ultimately benefit UK Plc.

The societal benefits are manifold. Military staff working in the field could use a 'product printer' to download bespoke software remotely and 'print' essential circuitry or devices without the delay or need for costly transportation. Consumers will be able to access more bespoke, better value for money products and benefit from new technologies without the delays of traditional manufacturing. In settings such as healthcare, professionals will be able to 'print' consumables as required and increasingly design bespoke solutions to medical problems which combine aesthetics with electronic functionality. Currently, the manufacture of electronic components can involve harsh chemical processing resulting in negative environmental impacts both from the manufacturing process and the disposal of component at the end of life. This technology will negate these issues leading to environmental improvements world-wide.