Engineering meta-materials and material structures for high power RF devices

Abstract

Transition metal oxides with high work function and opto-electronic properties are of utmost interest in several advanced applications, such as photonics and thermochromic as well as protective coatings. RF cavities are crucial elements of any accelerator. Energy compensation, acceleration and bunching are just a few of the many tasks that are played by RF devices in the accelerators- linear or circular. However, RF cavities are affected by many issues, e.g., instabilities or high gradients. Degassing is another challenging issue that may induce arc discharges, degradation of vacuum condition and, as a consequence, lowering of the cavity performance. Furthermore, the surface roughness of these structures may generate electric charges and a locally confined E field that may induce discharge phenomena. The latter also depends on the work function (WF) of the metallic element used in the device. On the other hand, the field emission (FE) of electrons under high electric fields from the skin depth of the metallic body of RF devices, not only provokes further discharging and surface damage to a cavity, but also reduces the accelerator performances. The proposed projects will systematically approach discussed issues, exploiting the construction of meta-heterojunctions using high work function metal oxides in junction with the metallic elements in order to improve the performance of the device. The main focus of the project will be on the investigation of engineered heterostructures and characterization of high WF materials and engineering of high conductivity devices; Surface roughness reduction; Grain boundary modification and percolation phenomena and field-secondary electron emission mitigation.This project is an interdisciplinary project between two main interests of the U.S. air force and space force, including the Aerospace composite materials and Aerospace materials for extreme conditions. The results of this project will deepen the understanding of the interface dynamics of the innovative meta structures as well as their fundamental properties under extreme conditions. The information can be exploited in the satellite technologies as well as novel superior structures with multifunctional performances.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 22, 2024
Source ID
FA86552317004

Entities

People

  • Javad Rezvani

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Camerino

Tags

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster