Researcher, Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
Realization and application of left-handed materials using ferromagnetic-metal nanocomposite films
The electromagnetic responses of materials are determined by their electric permittivity (ε) and magnetic permeability (μ). Materials, which have simultaneously negative values of ε and μ, are called left-handed materials (LHMs), and it has been theoretically predicted that they will show extraordinary electromagnetic responses, e.g. inverse Doppler shift and negative index of refraction. However, LHMs have not yet been found in nature. In this project, we are trying to produce LHMs using insulating films, which contain ferromagnetic-metal nanoparticles, named ferromagnetic-metal nanocomposite films.
In this approach, electron magnetic resonance (EMR) in the nanoparticles is used to realize negative m in the nanocomposite films. We have already prepared Ni-polyimide nanocomposite films, in which metallic Ni nanoparticles with several nanometers in diameter are uniformly embedded in polyimide matrices. Moreover, EMR in the films has been studied in detail. We are now planning to carry out microwave transmission experiments on the composite films under applied magnetic fields.
The results of this study will create a new paradigm for the electromagnetism of matter and, thus, cause a significant breakthrough in the science and technology of nanomaterials.
