5G Microwave Absorber

Assistant professor Subodh G of Kerala University and research scholar Vidhya Lalan have developed fifth-generation (5G) microwave absorbers.

Highlights

• Development of 5G microwave absorbers could act as an effective shield against electromagnetic radiations.
• Threat of electromagnetic pollution and radiation is inevitable because of ever-increasing quest for smarter and advanced electronic devices worldwide.
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) affects the high-end devices as well as they are detrimental to the health of living organisms.

Significance of the development

The problems generated by EMI requires immediate attention in this era of 5G technology and Internet of Things (IoT). This is because it has become difficult to undertake routine chores without using electronic devices and internet, which work around electromagnetic waves. Thus, the development of 5H microwave absorbers is significant for high frequently applications.

What is the name of shielding material?

• The new shielding material is a ‘mayenite electride’. It is chemically stable. The material has shown exceptional microwave absorption ability in high frequency region, particularly in the 5G band.
• The presence of anionic electrons provides this compound a high conductivity, which is responsible for its high electromagnetic wave attenuation.
• Apart from conductivity, mayenite electride is also highly porous and consists of a coating of graphene.
• Presence of macropores and graphene interface in this material force the electromagnetic waves to undergo reflections and subsequent absorption, repeatedly.
• The material has the property of microwave attenuation in extreme high frequency region. It highlights the potentiality of material for futuristic devices designed for 5G applications.