Tunable Metasurface Absorbers

The aim of this project is to develop tunable metasurfaces that can be integrated with photovoltaic devices, detectors and sensors for enhanced performance. Specifically, tunable metamaterials for efficient and band selective absorption of electromagnetic devices in infrared and terahertz bands will be researched. A particular interest is to research radiation-based energy transfer and recovery.

We will provide high-quality training for conducting scientific research to ensure the student develop skills in electromagnetic metamaterials, device fabrication, photovoltaics, and material physics. The skills can be translated into exciting opportunities in applications including renewable energy system development and metamaterial design for optoelectronic devices. These applications are part of the industrially funded projects at the department, and this project is complementary to these efforts. Outcomes of this project and the obtained skills can be further developed in collaboration with the industrial partners.

Efficient absorption of photons is a fundamental first step that sets the performance of photovoltaic generators. Conventionally, the availability of materials restricts the efficiency of absorption and determines the specific bands. Reliance of specific materials for absorption can be overcome using metasurfaces that can be integrated with photovoltaic devices to enable absorption of electromagnetic waves in unconventional bands to complement the current devices. In this research, perfect absorbers with tunable absorption bands will be realised for various applications in a wide spectrum spanning from microwave to photonic bands. Whilst the particular focus will be on photovoltaics, wider applications in detectors and sensors will also be explored.