This RIF project aims to realize the societal impact of previous research accomplishments through the design and implementation of two physics innovations. The first is a broadband microwave absorption structure with minimum thickness that can deter the tracking of a digital footprint left by the use of communications devices, to protect user privacy while raising the cost of collecting personal information for unauthorized use. At the same time, the use of the broadband microwave absorption material/structure can reduce exposures to the increasing amount of microwave energy that permeates the atmosphere, so as to remediate health concerns; microwaves are known to interact with biological tissues.

The second item is a compact device for attenuating and harvesting energy from ultra-low frequency mechanical waves in the range of 0.1 to 300 Hz, dubbed “no man’s land” in wave attenuation. The devices can attenuate low frequency vibration and underwater drilling noises. The compactness of this device means that it will be mass-producible not to mention flexible and convenient to use. Commercial interest exists, so there is a good chance that the prototypes will eventually be mass produced and sold on the market.

Optimal design of the broadband acoustic absorber

Press release: 

https://www.ust.hk/news/research-and-innovation/hkust-researchers-create-solid-metamaterials-fluid-property-can-be?highlight=Physics

https://www.ust.hk/news/recognition/hkust-physicists-awarded-first-brillouin-medal-groundbreaking-research-phononics?highlight=Physics