Competition summary: metasurfaces for defence and security
Updated 10 September 2018
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1. Background
Emerging from the broader field of bulk (3D) metamaterials, metasurfaces have made a huge academic impact by demonstrating both conventional and novel functions whilst being sub-wavelength in thickness. Their 2D form makes them better suited to real applications, often reducing fabrication demands compared to bulk metamaterials, even when complex topology is employed. Advanced metasurfaces may be capable of extended bandwidth, or be dynamically reconfigurable, or have other beneficial properties.
The electromagnetic environment is critical to future defence and security operations, and it is anticipated that this environment will become ever more contested and congested. We are interested in 2D metasurfaces which can be incorporated onto and into devices or components, as coatings, or integrated into fabrics or structure. This competition is anticipated to:
- maximise capabilities within limited platform space enabling technology integration into the difficult to use parts of platform
- unlock further benefits from signal processing software
- enable pan, multi- and hyper spectral system operation, and interoperability
- lead to long-term cost reduction through technology advances and eased and modular integration
Projects focused only on mathematical models of innovative metasurfaces are not in scope.
This competition will be in two phases and over the two phases we are seeking to promote teaming between academia and industry (small or large) to develop the role of metasurfaces for years to come in fields such as signature management, sensing and communications. It will be vital in phase 1 that the project demonstrates how the proposed work builds on and extends current early TRL research into more practical applications.
2. Funding
Up to £500,000 is available for phase 1 of this competition. Additional funding of up to £500,000 may be available for phase 2.
3. Competition close
The competition closes at midday on 28 September 2018.