The Research Center for Applied Problems of Electromagnetics was founded in 1987 by the Russian Academy of Sciences within the frames of the Joint Institute for High Temperatures in order to enlarge basic studies in the field of electrophysics and electromagnetics of composite materials. Later the Center was reorganized into the Institute for Theoretical and Applied Electromagnetics (ITAE). Corresponding member of RAS prof. A.N. Lagarkov is a founder and Director of ITAE.Research and scientific staff of ITAE: 50 researchers including 1 corresponding member of RAS, 9 Doctors and 23 Candidates of Sciences, 39 specialists in technology and engineering.
1. Scope of Activity
ITAE is engaged in basic scientific studies and applied developments in the field of electrophysics and electromagnetics:
- basic studies in the field of electrophysics and electromagnetics of composite materials with new electrophysical, optical and radiophysical properties, development of theory and methods of physical and mathematical modeling, technology development;
- basic studies in the field of high-frequency magnetism and applied developments of magnetometers;
- basic studies in the field of electrodynamics of magnetic active media, i.e. ferromagnetics and superconductors of the second type;
- basic studies in the field of electrophysical and electrodynamical processes in plasma systems, applied investigations and developments of plasma technologies and plasma systems;
- researches aimed at developing technologies for producing portable hydrogen fuel elements;
- application to defense and other industries of the results of research and development of production technologies of materials absorbing and scattering electromagnetic radiation in microwave and optical ranges.
2. Participation in Special Programs
- Program for Basic Studies of the RAS “Investigation of Electrophysical Phenomena in Metamaterials at Passing Electromagnetic Energy Flows”, 2003 – 2006;
- Program for Basic Studies of the RAS “ Study of New Superconductors and Current Carriers on this Basis ”, 2003 – 2006;
- Complex Program of the RAS Presidium “ Hydrogen Energy”, 2005 – 2006.
State contract No U0875/2268 within the frames of Presidential Program “Integration” is aimed at development and diagnostics of amorphous, nano-crystallized and nano-structured materials with unique high-frequency magnetic properties, 2001 – 2006. The research is carried out in collaboration with the Faculty for Physics of the Moscow State University, the Moscow Institute for Electronic Engineering and the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technologies.
3. Results of Current Basic Studies
The following is worth mentioning specially:
1. The carried experimental investigations have led to formulating a theory of interaction of microwave electromagnetic waves with ordered and disordered non-uniform materials and media, including:
- percolation systems;
- thin magnetic films;
- chiral materials and artificial magnetics;
- fine-layered structures;
- structurized multilayers and complex meta-materials;
- systems filled with spiral micro-particles;
- photonic crystals and analogous structures.
The elaborated theory and vast experimental data became a basis for creating new composite materials with unique electro-physical and magnetic properties.
2. Property investigation of materials with negative permittivity and permeability was performed. Effects of negative refraction, energy flow passage and focusing peculiarities were studies. For first time experimentally images of radiation sources with inter-distances shorter than wave lengths were obtained. Thus, the restriction to degree of image details, known as “the diffraction limit”, has been overcome. It can encourage a technological breakthrough in microelectronics and in manufacturing focusing systems, antenna, and new specific materials.
3. New mathematic apparatus for solution of the Maxwell equations in integral form was developed for study of scattering on bodies with complex structures and/or of large dimensions (with regards to wave length). Numerical methods of calculating electromagnetic wave diffraction on 3D bodies with composite coatings were elaborated. The methods include new combined and hybrid algorithms that comprise efficient asymptotic technique and high precision that is typical for strict methods (integral equations, eigenfunctions, finite elements). Experiments revealing numerous peculiarities of electromagnetic wave scattering on bodies of complicated geometrical shapes and heterogeneous materials were carried out.
4. Analysis of a number of new effects in magnetic oxides with the colossal magnetic resistance was completed. A giant isotope-effect in manganites (metal – dielectric transition at substitution of 16O by a heavier 18O) found its explanation. A model of electronic transport in magnetic oxides at phase separation was formulated. A theoretical explanation for magnetic resistance dependence on the magnetic field and temperature and for huge flicker noise in such systems was presented.
5. Electrodynamic studies of anisotropic high temperature superconductors were conducted. A theoretical explanation was given to new effects in the systems, e.g. to macro-turbulent and dendrite instabilities. Evolution of those instabilities in superconductors causes noticeable energy dissipation accompanied by formation of spaciously non-uniform magnetic structures. It is shown that macro-turbulence is analogue to turbulent instability in the classical hydrodynamics. The formation of dendrite structures are induced by thermo-magnetic instability of a vortex state.
6. The phenomenon of electromagnetic radiation localization on planar and 3D percolation systems was studied. It was demonstrated that the new physical phenomenon is similar in many aspects to Anderson’s localization of quantum particles in disordered systems. Electromagnetic wave propagation in magneto- photonic crystals was studied. It was proved possible to enhance magnetic optical effects dozens of times that points to perspectives of the studied matters for optical data transmission.
4. Applied Research Results
1. The research in radio physics and material technologies helped to develop optimal compositions for:
- Highly-filled polymer and elastomer composites of magneto-dielectric and dielectric types;
- High-temperature composite materials of dielectric and magneto-dielectric types.
It has led to a series of highly efficient multi-layer materials for radar absorbing coatings for solving problems of electromagnetic compatibility and radar detection.
2. Electrodynamic investigation of three-dimensional plasma structures that reflect or adsorb radio waves was performed. The results can be applied in antenna engineering field, e.g. for developing electromagnetic screens.
5. The Institute has elaborated new technologies
1. Technologies for constructing new materials and coatings that can absorb, screen and scatter optical and high frequency electromagnetic radiation by means of plasma arc, plasma vacuum and pneumatic deposition and by formation of absorbing honey-comb structures.
2. Technology for thin film structures with giant magnetic impedance that are very promising as sensitive elements for highly sensitive sensors of weak magnetic fields.
3. Technology for integrated membrane units for hydrogen-oxygen portable fuel elements for autonomous feeding of high-tech devices and equipment.
4. Production technology for multi-layer energy-saving coatings to glaze industrial, residential and municipal buildings, various vehicles. Its application will make heat losses in winter period two times less.
6. Results of solving applied problems
1. One of the most important applied investigations is aimed at reducing radar visibility of special technical equipment. A cycle of R&D and experimental work has been performed to reduce aircraft radar cross section. Electrodynamic models of aircrafts were elaborated. The machines were upgraded. On-land and in-flight aircraft tests were performed. The results correspond to the best samples of the world stealth-technology that exists, e.g. in the USA, for similar types of equipment. The work is carried out in cooperation with “OKB Soukhogo”, “Rosoboronexport”, “Russian Aircraft Constructing Corporation MIG”, “Rybinsk Engines”, etc.
2. The ITAE production technology for honeycomb structured radar absorbing materials encouraged their application for equipping anechoic chambers. An anechoic chamber is a compact range for investigating interactions of radio waves with units of complicated shapes, antenna directivity patterns, studying electromagnetic compatibility, etc. Modern anechoic chambers were constructed by ITAE specialists.
3. Studies of amorphous and quasi-crystalline soft-magnetic materials and magnetic impedance effects due to flowing of high frequency currents led to producing very sensitive sensors for detection of weak magnetic fields. Projects “Development and investigation of giant magnetic impedance structures for very sensitive devices” and “Integral system for diagnosing weak magnetic fields” were successively accomplished.
7. Scientific School SS-1694.2003.2 – “Studies of electrodynamics and electrophysics of heterogeneous media”
The Scientific School directed by corresponding member of RAS A.N. Lagarkov has been formally active since introduction of President’s grants for “Leading Scientific Schools” (1996). In fact the foundation of the School goes back to 80s. Since that time its core of 5-10 specialists in electrodynamics of condensed media has defined perspective study trends for the School and involved the youth into research activity. 7 Doctorial and 12 Candidate theses have been defended within the School frames.
The School pursues a complex approach to the problem comprising both fundamental aspects of investigating electro physical phenomena of electromagnetic waves propagation in different heterogeneous systems (chiral media, artificial magnetics, negative reflection materials, quadrupole media, photonic crystals, nano-composites) and possibilities of synthesizing new materials by vacuum spattering of metal-dielectric nano-composite systems, structured multi-layer film composites etc.. Development of devices and equipment based on new phenomena that appear at interaction of the materials with electromagnetic field is also part of the act.
8. Scientific and administrative activity
1. The Institute takes part in the Scientific Council “Electrophysics, power engineering and electrotechnology”, and in particular in the activity of “Composite materials electrophysics” branch (A.N. Lagarkov is its Head), and in the Scientific Council for a complex problem of “Physics of low temperature plasma”.
2. RAS corresponding member A.N. Lagarkov is Head of a working group for joint research and aircraft technology mastering in RAS institutes and the State enterprise “Soukhoy”. The joint activity schedule was approved by the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Airspace Agency in 2002.
3. The Institute has its basic chair of “Applied theoretical physics” at the Moscow Institute for Physics and Technology, where the Institute specialists lecture and supervise academic activity of students and post graduates.
4. The Institute Scientific Council annually organizes scientific conferences in accordance with its scientific interests (within the frames of Chapter 8 IEEE).
5. The Institute is one of organizers of an Educational Scientific Center established together with a number of research and academic institutes in order to reinforce efforts and sources, to support academic and scientific activity of specialists, postgraduates and students in prime and promising direction of science and technology.