China has started to make advances in its research into “metamaterials” in the hopes of achieving the People’s Liberation Army’s dream of developing an “invisible” stealth aircraft, according to a recent report by the Beijing-based Sina Military Network.
Metamaterials are synthetic materials designed to control light, radar, sound and electromagnetic waves, and other physical phenomena. Their properties are a combination of the inherent properties of their base material and the way their structure is designed, including shape, geometry, size and orientation.
The potential applications of metamaterials are extremely broad, and applications being considered by Chinese researchers include notebook-sized satellite antennas, flexible ceramics, defensive walls that can reduce the impact of earthquakes and tsunamis, "smart" shoes that can detect and adapt to various terrain, and of course, stealth planes, the report said.
Currently, China's 863 Program (State High-Tech Development Plan), 973 Program (National Basic Research Program), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China are receiving government funding to explore the field.
According to the report, one of the breakthroughs achieved is Meta-RF technology. Based on a complex electromagnetic structural design, the technology allows for the control and modulation of electromagnetic waves with high accuracy, making China one step ahead over its competitors in the field of metamaterials, Sina Military said.
The Meta-RF technology has led to the development of electromagnetic metamaterial antennas that can detect satellites anywhere, making it highly suitable for use in wireless communications, space communications, GPS, satellites, space vehicle and aircraft navigation. The technology also allows for circuit boards to be folded to the size of a notebook, enabling devices to connect to satellite broadband Internet from airplanes, boats and in remote areas, the report said.
The technology has already been tested in 22 Chinese provinces as early as three years ago, as compared to the U.S. only starting to commercialize the technology this year, it added.
In April, the Terminology of Electromagnetic Metamaterials was submitted to the Standardization Administration of China, and once approved it would provide national standards for the application of metamaterials in China for the first time.
This will help spur China's metamaterial research and manufacturing to new levels and help China grab the global lead, said Sina Military.