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INV-17015
Background
Mechanically displacing the magnetic charges or hard magnet generates varying electromagnetic (EM) fields, that can provide a means for transmitting very low frequency (VLF) electromagnetic waves. However, this method has many challenges to overcome because of extremely low radiation efficiency associated with the energy losses due to the large frictional forces leading to damping, losses, and heat generation. Particularly, achieving a high linear or angular velocity for 10kHz or above is very challenging due to the limited angular speed of mechanical motors.
Technology Overview
Strong magnetoelectric coupling in magnetic/piezoelectric heterostructures has been recently demonstrated, that leads to voltage control of magnetization or magnetic control of electric polarization. In particular, the power-efficient voltage control of magnetization has led to orders of magnitude enhanced power efficiency compared to magnetically or mechanically switching the magnetization. This also enables compact and power-efficient novel acoustically actuated antennas and voltage tunable inductors. The preliminary data on a magnetoelectric (ME) communication system with two identical ME antennas is very promising, with 1.1W of power, that can get communication at a distance of 560 feet with a working frequency of 23.7kHz.
Benefits
- Extremely small in size
- Highly sensitivity
- Low communication frequency of 23.7kHz
- Long communication distance of 560 feet with an input power of 1W
Applications
- Decrease the cost of RF communication system to ~$20
- Meet DARPA’s interests and demands in a very low-frequency communication system
Opportunity
- License
- Partnering
- Research collaboration
