Magnetic metasurfaces properties in the near field regions

Characterization of interaction phenomena of electromagnetic waves with metamaterials via microwave near-field visualization technique

A new practical imaging technique was presented for metamaterial characterization and investigation by visualizations of the magnetic microwave near-field (H-MWNF) distributions on a metamaterial's surface using the method of thermo-elastic optical indicator microscopy (TEOIM). ITO-based transparent and ceramic-based opaque metamaterial structures were designed for magnetic near-field visualization. Depending on the incident microwave field polarization, the TEOIM system allows the characterization of the metamaterial properties and microwave interaction behavior. The working principle of the periodic structures was investigated through numerical simulations, and the obtained results exhibited strong agreement when compared with experimental observations. Moreover, the visualization of the H-MWNF revealed the potential to characterize and evaluate the absorption and transmission properties effectively.

Analysis and design of holographic magnetic metasurfaces in the very near field for sensing applications at quasi-static regime

In this paper, we present a novel low-frequency sensing solution based on the manipulation of the near-field distribution by employing a passive holographic magnetic metasurface, excited by an active RF coil placed in its reactive region. In particular, the sensing capability is based on the interaction between the magnetic field distribution produced by the radiating system and the magneto-dielectric inhomogeneities eventually present within the material under test. We first start from conceiving the geometrical set-up of the metasurface and its driving RF coil, adopting a low operative frequency (specifically 3 MHz) to consider a quasi-static regime and able to increase the penetration depth within the sample. Afterwards, since the sensing spatial resolution and performance can be modulated by controlling the metasurface properties, the required holographic magnetic field mask, describing the ideal distribution at a specific plane, is designed. Then, the amplitude and phase of currents, flowing in each metasurface unit-cell and required to synthetize the field mask, are determined through an optimization technique. Next, the capacitive loads necessary to accomplish the planned behavior are retrieved, by exploiting the metasurface impedance matrix. Finally, experimental measurements conducted on fabricated prototypes validated the numerical results, confirming the efficacy of the proposed approach to detect inhomogeneities in a medium with a magnetic inclusion in a non-destructive manner. The findings show that holographic magnetic metasurfaces operating in the quasi-static regime can be successfully employed for non-destructive sensing, both in industrial and biomedical fields, despite the extremely low frequencies.

Spatial filtering magnetic metasurface for misalignment robustness enhancement in wireless power transfer applications

In this paper, we present the design of spatial filtering magnetic metasurfaces to overcome the efficiency decay arising in misaligned resonant inductive Wireless Power Transfer systems. At first, we describe the analytical framework for the control of currents flowing on a finite-size metasurface, avoiding classical truncation effects on the periphery and opportunely manipulating, at the same time, the spatial magnetic field distribution produced by the closely placed RF driving coil. In order to validate the theoretical approach, we conceive a numerical test case consisting of a WPT system operating at 12 MHz. By performing accurate full-wave simulations, we prove that inducing a uniform current in the metasurface results in a more robust WPT system in terms of misalignment with respect to conventional configurations, also including standard metasurfaces. Therefore, while the use of metasurfaces in WPT systems has been already demonstrated to be beneficial in terms of efficiency enhancement, we confirmed that a proper control of the metasurfaces field filtering response can be advantageous also for the misalignment issue. Notably, the free space wavelength at the operating frequency (12 MHz) is 25 m, whereas the proposed metasurface dimensions are only 0.0024λ × 0.0024λ. Despite the extremely reduced dimensions, the spatial magnetic field distribution produced by the closely placed RF driving coil can be nevertheless opportunely manipulated. Finally, experimental measurements conducted on fabricated prototypes validated the numerical results, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach. These achievements can be particularly helpful in WPT applications where the position of driving and receiving coils frequently changes, as in consumer devices and biomedical implants.

Shaping and Focusing Magnetic Field in the Human Body: State-of-the Art and Promising Technologies

In recent years, the usage of radio frequency magnetic fields for biomedical applications has increased exponentially. Several diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies exploit this physical entity such as, for instance, magnetic resonance imaging, hyperthermia with magnetic nanoparticles and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Within this framework, the magnetic field focusing and shaping, at different depths inside the tissue, emerges as one of the most important challenges from a technological point of view, since it is highly desirable for improving the effectiveness of clinical methodologies. In this review paper, we will first report some of the biomedical practices employing radio frequency magnetic fields, that appear most promising in clinical settings, explaining the underneath physical principles and operative procedures. Specifically, we direct the interest toward hyperthermia with magnetic nanoparticles and transcranial magnetic stimulation, together with a brief mention of magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, we deeply review the technological solutions that have appeared so far in the literature to shape and control the radio frequency magnetic field distribution within biological tissues, highlighting human applications. In particular, volume and surface coils, together with the recent raise of metamaterials and metasurfaces will be reported. The present review manuscript can be useful to fill the actual gap in the literature and to serve as a guide for the physicians and engineers working in these fields.