Could invisibility cloaks become a real thing? A software tool developed by researchers at Macquarie University could change the world of metamaterials and unlock new possibilities in wave manipulation design
Named TMATSOLVER, this software enables precise modelling of wave interactions with complex configurations of particles, like those found in metamaterials.
TMATSOLVER uses advanced computational techniques to accurately compute the transitional matrix (T-matrix) for particles much larger than the wavelength including those with intricate shapes.
Traditional methods often struggle with these complexities. “The T-matrix has been used since the 1960s, but we’ve made a big step forward in accurately computing the T-matrix for particles much larger than the wavelength, and with complex shapes,” says Dr Hawkins.
“Using TMATSOLVER, we have been able to model configurations of particles that could previously not be addressed.”
Applications in metamaterials
Metamaterials are engineered to show properties not found in nature, allowing unprecedented control over electromagnetic, acoustic, and optical waves.
Some examples include super-lenses for molecular-scale imaging, invisibility cloaks that manipulate visible light, and efficient wave absorbers for energy harvesting and noise reduction. TMATSOLVER facilitates the rapid prototyping and validation of these metamaterial designs, accelerating breakthroughs in fields ranging from telecommunications to biomedical imaging.
The development of TMATSOLVER involved collaboration among researchers from Macquarie University, the University of Adelaide, the University of Manchester, Imperial College London, the University of Augsburg, and the University of Bonn.
What does this mean for the future?
Professor Lucy Marshall, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University, emphasises TMATSOLVER’s potential to catalyze new discoveries. “This research represents a big leap forward in our ability to design and simulate complex metamaterials, and is a prime example of how innovative computational methods can drive advancements in materials science and engineering,” says Professor.
The tool’s efficiency in modelling diverse particle arrangements promises to expedite innovation across global markets for metamaterial applications.
TMATSOLVER allows researchers to craft metamaterials with tailored wave behaviours, its impact is set to extend beyond academic benefits, and it has the potential to drive advancements in technology and shape the future of wave-based technologies.
