Electric Current Distribution Research Articles

A polarization conversion metasurface for broadband and high-efficiency bidirectional filtering

Here, we demonstrate a polarization conversion metasurface which is composed of a single layer square split-ring resonator and bi-layered slotted perfect electrical conductor (PEC) to realize broadband and high-efficiency bidirectional filtering. The numerical results indicate that y-polarized waves can be converted to x-polarized transmission waves in the frequency range of 6.6 GHz to 13.9 GHz, while prevent this polarized waves with frequency beyond this band, and purity x-polarized waves can be obtained as electromagnetic (EM) waves are incident along negative z-axis, meanwhile, x-polarized waves can be converted to y-polarized transmission waves and only y-polarized waves available when EM waves are incident along positive z-axis. This designed polarization conversion metasurface has the function of bidirectional filtering in a wideband frequency range. Furthermore, the broadband property can be maintained as the incident angle up to 30°. The Fabry–Pérot-like cavity model is established to clarify the interference and enhancement effect of polarization conversion, and the electrical field and surface current distributions are used to elucidate the physical mechanism of polarization conversion and filtering. The experimental results are coincident with the numerical simulations. This metasurface can be employed in controlling the filtering signal of the polarized devices and can be functional as a bandpass filter in communication systems.

Magnetic Sensor Array for Electric Arc Reconstruction in Circuit Breakers.

Noninvasive imaging of circuit breakers under short-circuit testing is addressed by recording the magnetic field produced over an array of external sensors and by solving an inverse problem to identify the causing current distribution. The temporal and spatial resolution of the sensing chain are studied and implemented in a physical set-up. A wire model is adopted to describe electrical current distribution. Additionally, the simpler, more direct approach to evaluating the passage of electric current in front of sensors is proposed. The dynamics of suitable approximating models of the electric arc that forms across contacts is obtained and agrees with multi-physical simulations and with experimental time histories of current and voltage. The two methods are flexible and allow the analysis of different types of circuit breakers.

Triple-frequency terahertz modulator based on electronically controllable metamaterial from the coupling effect

This paper proposes a triple-frequency terahertz amplitude modulator that utilizes an I-shaped strip and four U-shaped metal patches within a common metal-substrate configuration. The top metal layer consists of an I-shaped strip and four U-shaped metal patches, while the bottom substrate layer is made of polyimide. Amplitude modulation is achieved through adjusting the plasma frequency of the high-electron-mobility transistors, resulting in a modulation depth of nearly 93% at resonance frequencies of 0.26 and 0.49 THz. At 0.6 THz, the modulation depth reaches 65%, demonstrating excellent performance. Resonance frequencies are determined by electric field and surface current distribution. The triple-frequency terahertz amplitude modulator is applicable in various fields, including terahertz communications and imaging.

An ultra broadband metamaterial absorber based on metal-dielectric-metal technology for THz spectrum

This paper introduces a novel ultra-broadband Metamaterial Absorber (UBMA) demonstrating significant absorption capabilities across a wide terahertz frequency range from 2.42 THz to 6.11 THz. The 3.7 THz bandwidth represents 87% of the central frequency. The proposed UBMA comprises three layers: a star-shaped metal patch on top, a dielectric substrate in the middle, and a metallic ground plane below. Simulations using CST Microwave Studio software reveal that the design achieves high absorption at five distinct frequencies: 2.47, 3.45, 4.89, 6.01, and 6.87 THz, with absorption rates of 99% for the first four peaks and 90% for the fifth peak. The study of electric field and surface current distribution provides insights into the absorption mechanism. While the UBMA exhibits polarization-independent performance, its angular response shows some sensitivity to the incident angle, especially beyond 30° Despite this, the absorber maintains over 70% absorptivity up to a 45° incidence angle for both TE and TM polarizations within specific frequency ranges. The simple structure combined with high absorption efficiency makes the UBMA suitable for THz imaging, detection, and stealth applications, although its angular sensitivity must be considered for certain applications.

Graphene-based tunable broadband metamaterial absorber for terahertz waves

In order to overcome the limitations exhibited by traditional absorbers in electromagnetic wave absorption, such as the extremely narrow absorption bandwidth and uncontrollable absorption results, this paper proposes a novel tunable broadband metamaterial absorber based on graphene. Compared to other terahertz absorbers, the absorber designed in this study exhibits simpler structural design, compact form, thin thickness, efficient absorption performance, and a broader bandwidth. This absorber adopts a three-layer structure, including a patterned monolayer graphene metasurface, a dielectric layer, and a metal substrate. The structure of this patterned graphene consists of four triangular graphene resonators, achieving both high absorption efficiency and maintaining an exceptionally wide absorption bandwidth. The simulation results indicate that at a Fermi energy level Ef of 0.45 eV, the absorber achieves a broadband absorption rate of over 90 % in the 3.287 THz to 5.247 THz frequency range under normal terahertz wave incidence conditions. By analyzing different quantities of the triangular graphene structure on the top of the absorber, we found that the wide absorption bandwidth of the absorber is mainly attributed to the structural coupling of the top-layer graphene in the absorber. Furthermore, through the study of electric field amplitude and current distribution, we stumbled upon that when terahertz waves are incident on the absorber, due to the structural coupling between the graphene layers, electric resonance and magnetic resonance occur within the absorber, resulting in the absorption effect. Finally, through the study of geometric parameters, different polarization angles and oblique incidence angles of the incident waves, as well as different Fermi energy levels of graphene, we discovered that by adjusting the Fermi energy level of graphene, the bandwidth and absorption performance of the absorber can be flexibly tuned. In addition, this absorber exhibits wide-angle absorption characteristics and polarization-insensitive properties, providing potential application prospects in fields such as terahertz thermal imaging and stealth technology.

High-performance terahertz microfluidic sensors based on Fabry–Perot resonance

The Fabry–Perot resonance within a microfluidic channel plays a crucial role in enhancing electromagnetic field strength, facilitating intensified interactions between terahertz waves and samples. In this paper, we introduce 2 THz microfluidic sensors based on Fabry–Perot resonance, each exhibiting dual resonant peaks for non-destructive detection. The first sensor features a periodic arrangement of three “I-type” structures, generating resonant peaks within the frequency range of 0.2–1.2 THz. These peaks correspond to absorption rates of 99.17 % and 99.51 %, with sensitivities of 100 GHz/RIU and 193 GHz/RIU, respectively. The second sensor also produces resonant peaks in the terahertz range, with absorption rates of 99.88 % and 99.94 % and sensitivities of 159 GHz/RIU and 226 GHz/RIU. After elucidating the physical mechanisms of both absorbers by analyzing the electric field and surface current distributions, we tested the dielectric constants of edible oils using the first sensor and evaluated the polarization insensitivity of the second sensor. These findings position the proposed sensors as versatile tools for biological detection and label-free detection even in trace amounts.

A numerical study on effects of current density distribution, turbulence, and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) on electrolytic gas flow with application to alkaline water electrolysis (AWE)

A three-phase Eulerian model is proposed to investigate the induced flow due to the generation of gas bubbles between two parallel plates without forced convection with application to alkaline water electrolysis (AWE). Earlier models, assuming a laminar regime, accurately predicted the multiphase flow near electrodes but struggled to calculate bulk liquid electrolyte flow away from them. Herein, we study the influences of electric current density distribution, turbulence effects, and the interaction between flow and the magnetic field known as magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Based on our modeling results, the traditional method using an averaged uniform current density along electrodes (e.g. here 2000 A m−2) is feasible, as incorporating calculated non-uniform current distribution minimally affects the multiphase velocity field. The Lorentz force, originating from flow interaction with the (self-induced) magnetic field, is negligible compared to forces like drag or bubble dispersion. Consequently, MHD effects only become relevant upon introducing an external magnetic field. Including turbulence in the model, being minor in magnitude but non-negligible, significantly improves the predicted velocity profile. Modeling results are validated against an experiment.

A platform to study defect-induced behavior in high-temperature superconductor cables

High-temperature superconductor (HTS) cables and magnets are enabling a range of high-current and high-field applications, including compact fusion devices aiming to achieve net energy. Defects in HTS pose manufacturing, cost, and operational challenges. A rigorous understanding and predictive capability for defect-induced behavior at relevant scale has not been established. To address this shortcoming, we have developed a cable-level defect characterization experimental platform coupled to high-fidelity computational modeling. The cable ( Ic∼ 438 A at 77.4 K, self-field) comprises a non-twisted 70 cm-long copper former containing a soldered stack of five rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) tapes (each with Ic = 115.7 A/4 mm-w at 77.4 K, self-field), which can contain a variety of induced defects. Spatially-resolved electric fields are measured with a high-density voltage tap array and absolute current distribution with six custom-wound embedded Rogowski coils. 3D circuit modeling uses nodal analysis and self-consistently accounts for the magnetic field dependence of critical current. The model successfully predicts the experimentally measured spatial and operating current dependencies of electric field and current distribution with no defects, one defect, and two defects, validating the defect characterization platform as a tool for improving the design, cost, fabrication, and operation of REBCO cables.

Wide‐angle band‐pass FSS with high‐frequency selectivity based on SIW cavity technology

AbstractThis work proposes and investigates a wide‐angle band‐pass frequency selective surface (FSS) with two sharp sidebands. The presented FSS element is made up of three metallic layers and two substrate layers in between, which are surrounded by a substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity. The top metallic layer is identical to the bottom layer, composed of a square patch etched with a hexagonal groove, while the middle layer is a similar patch but with rectangular notch edges. This structure achieves a second‐order band‐pass response with highly frequency selectivity on either side of the passband. At the same time, this FSS demonstrates excellent stability for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations with incident angles between 0° and 60°. The electric current and field distributions are demonstrated for deep analysis. Furthermore, an equivalent circuit model is developed to further understand the operating mechanisms. To verify the validity of the design, we construct a prototype of the SIW‐based FSS (SIW‐FSS) and measured it. There is a fair degree of agreement between the measured and simulated results. Finally, we loaded it onto the horn antenna and tested its application in filtering antennas.

Design of a low profile and ultraminiaturized frequency selective surface with dual band-stop response

In this paper, a miniaturized dual-band frequency selective surface (FSS) for electromagnetic shielding applications is presented. The FSS unit cell provides band-stop response at the resonant frequencies of 0.95 GHz and 2.52 GHz. The FSS element is constructed by employing convoluted metal stripes that are positioned on both sides of the substrate. The proposed configuration enhances the electrical length of the resonator while maintaining its physical dimensions. Moreover, the unit cell of the FSS exhibits rotational symmetry, which enables polarization independent operation. The designed FSS structure demonstrates excellent miniaturization characteristics, with a cell size and thickness of 0.019 λ0 × 0.019 λ0, and 0.00048 λ0, respectively. The cell size and thickness are calculated at the lower resonating frequency of 0.95 GHz. In addition, the stability of the proposed FSS structure is observed for both the TE and TM polarizations across an incident angle range of 0° to 80°. The resonating behavior of the structure is elucidated with the help of electric field and surface current distribution. Experimental verification of the dual-band FSS is conducted through the fabrication of a prototype on a FR4 substrate. The measured transmission coefficients are in good agreement with the simulated response for both TE and TM modes. Compared with the dual-band FSSs previously reported, the proposed FSS has the significant advantages of low profile and miniaturization.

Impact of string connection and contact defects on electrical current distribution in solar cells and modules: A model validated by magnetic field imaging

AbstractModeling of solar modules and their components is essential to quantify geometrical, optical, and electrical losses and to improve the designs and technologies in terms of performance. In most loss analysis models, the current share among the busbars of the solar cell is assumed to be equal since a symmetrical distribution of the metallization is given. The impact of string terminal connection on the current distribution among the ribbons and the resulting changes in ohmic losses has not been studied yet. In this study, a MATLAB model is developed to consider the impact of the string connector terminal position on the current distribution and the ohmic losses in the ribbons and in string connector. The model allows for the analysis of the impact of contact defects scenarios in ribbons and string connectors on the current distribution. Results show that the highest current flows at the closest busbar to the string connector terminal while the current decreases at the busbars farther away from the terminal due to higher ohmic resistance of the current path. The higher the ohmic resistance of the string connector, the more inhomogeneous the current share at busbars. Simulating a 9 busbar M6 half‐cell with 1 × 0.08 mm2 string connector, positioning the string connector terminal at the leftmost or rightmost ribbon results in 0.4 W less power compared to center connection configuration, where the string connector terminal is positioned at the center ribbon. Furthermore, simulation results show that inhomogeneity of current causes about 2.1% reduction in module power compared to the case of evenly distributed cell current, considering a 120‐haf‐cell module with the same string connector. Regarding contact defect analysis, exemplary simulations show the impact of the position of detached ribbons on the power or efficiency loss. Considering left or right connection configuration, detaching the leftmost or rightmost ribbon results in higher power loss compared to other ribbons. Detaching one cell ribbon completely from the string connector results in about 0.2%abs decrease in cell efficiency, while detaching the outer ribbon along all strings of a 120‐half‐cell module results in power loss of about 0.8%. The developed model is validated by performing magnetic field imaging (MFI) measurements, in which the magnetic flux density induced by the current carried by the ribbons is measured.

Dynamically tunable terahertz multi-band perfect absorber based on photosensitive silicon

A tunable narrowband terahertz absorber is proposed based on the photosensitive characteristics of silicon. When silicon is insulating without the pump beam, the absorber realizes three-frequency absorption at 0.731 THz, 1.145 THz, and 1.546 THz with absorptivity of 99.43%, 99.99%, and 99.98%, respectively. When the silicon is excited by the pump beam, it is conducting, and the absorber realizes double-frequency absorption at 0.852 THz, 1.536 THz, with 99.99% and 99.31%. The impedance matching theory explains the perfect absorption, and the electric field and surface current distributions are further discussed to elaborate the physical mechanisms. In addition, the effect of geometric parameters on the absorptivity is discussed. The absorber exhibits wide-angle absorption characteristics when light is polarized along the y-direction, and the absorptivity exhibits weak dependence on the polarization angle. The proposed absorber has promising applications in electromagnetic cloaking, narrow-band thermal radiation, and optoelectronic detection.

Design of ultra-thin multi-band sub-terahertz metamaterial absorber using three concentric ring resonators with same opening direction

In this paper, an ultra-thin sub-terahertz multi-band terahertz metamaterial absorber is proposed, its cell consists of three concentric ring resonators with the same opening direction, which can realize three discrete absorption peaks in the sub-terahertz frequency domain. The absorption peaks are mainly formed when the three open circular resonators interact with each other, and the superposition of the three discrete peaks creates a three-band absorption. The physical mechanisms of three-band absorption are illustrated by the electric fields and surface current distributions of three absorption peaks. Adjustment of the absorption effect could be obtained by altering the dimensions of the cleft circular resonator. By fixing the dimensions and changing the opening direction, these resonators will couple to each other and play an important role in regulating the frequency, intensity, and number of absorption peaks. Moreover, the multi-band metamaterial structure could be combined with vanadium dioxide, a phase change material, to actively modulate the absorption. In addition, the three-band metamaterial absorber has the characteristics of polarization-sensitive and wide-angle, which has extensive applications in the domains of security detection, biomedicine and communication.

A SIMPLE STRUCTURED MULTIBAND TERAHERTZ METAMATERIAL ABSORBER WITH A HIGH Q FACTOR

A terahertz Eight-/Nine-/Twelve-/Fourteen-/Sixteen-Band Metamaterial Absorber (MMA) for sensing applications is built and simulated. The substrate is sandwiched between the bottom ground plane and the top patch structure of this primitive MMA. The top patch is made up of two concentric circular ring resonators. This structure generates a multiple number of multi bands without utilising stacked layers, multiple resonators, or overlapping in a single unit cell by altering the radius of the top patch structure within the shorter frequency range of 0.8 THz to 1.2 THz. The polarisation and angle insensitivity properties are investigated by shifting the angle values from 0 to 90 degrees. To learn about the inside mechanism of the planned structure, the magnetic field distribution, electric field distribution and surface current distribution plots are explained. For the sixteen-band MMA, the Q-Factor and full width half maximum are also determined. This proposed MMA will be used in biosensing applications, sensors and wireless communications.

Influence of Electric Field and Current Distribution due to Electrode Geometry on CO2 Electroreduction

Influence of Electric Field and Current Distribution due to Electrode Geometry on CO₂ Electroreduction

Design and analysis of a highly uniform five-band terahertz filter based on frequency selective surface

In this paper, a highly uniform five-band terahertz filter is presented, achieved by deforming two nested square ring structures. The metal pattern layer of the filter comprises a nested square ring structure with an inner and outer opening, and a metal strip connecting the inner and outer rings. Symmetrical openings divide nested square rings, breaking the current path and generating multiple metal bars of different lengths to excite dipole oscillations. Using metal strips to connect the inner and outer rings, the inner and outer resonant structures are integrated. Compared to a single resonant particle, the coupling of different single resonant particles amplifies the resonance of the combined structure, resulting in a wider stopband width and enhanced isolation between multiple passbands. A metal strip is also added to both ends of the outer ring opening to increase the equivalent capacitance of the outer ring, enhance the resonance, and improve out-of-band suppression. The transmission spectrum has five uniform passbands in the range of 1.3807–1.9917 THz, and the maximum passband ratio (MPR) of 3 dB bandwidth is about 1.16, and the ratio of 10 dB is about 1.17. The transmission coefficient of transmission zero is about 0.1, and the peak transmission coefficient of transmission peak is close to 1. The polarization of TE and TM incident waves is stable, and the filtering characteristics are good. Besides, the rectangular coefficients of the five passbands are all less than 1.33, showing excellent band selectivity. The resonance mechanism is explained by the Q value and electric field current distribution. The influence of structural parameter changes on filtering characteristics is also analyzed, and the main control parameters are found by using correlation analysis tools. From the changes in the MPR curve, it is verified that the structure parameters of the designed filter are in good condition. The multi-passband filter designed in this paper has uniform filtering characteristics, which is helpful to the development of terahertz multi-channel communication.

An efficient method for electro-thermo-mechanical coupling effect in electrical contact on rough surfaces

In this study, a numerical strategy based on the boundary element method (BEM) is developed to simulate the electrical contact behavior on rough surfaces. By using the Fourier transform, the solutions of the electric potential, temperature rise, and displacement fields in the Fourier space are derived with finite boundaries, in which the electro-thermo-mechanical coupling effect is considered. With the consideration of the contact condition, an iterative algorithm is proposed to seek the solutions of rough surface electrical contact under a given contact force and total electric potential drop. The contact pressure, real contact area, electrical contact resistance, electric current, and temperature rise distribution are predicted. For the validation, the electrical contact results of a spherical punch-half space contact and a rough surface-elastic substrate contact are calculated based on the finite element method. The good agreement between the results from the BEM-based method and the finite element method indicates the accuracy of the presented method. Then, the effect of the total electric potential and the thermal expansion on the electrical contact behavior, the relationship between the contact conductance and contact stiffness, and the probability density function of the contact pressure and temperature rise distributions are evaluated using the proposed method.

Effects of die geometry and insulation on the energy and electrical parameters analyses of spark plasma sintered TiC ceramics

This work conducts a numerical simulation to investigate the temperature and electric current distribution during the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process using the finite element method (FEM) carried out in COMSOL Multiphysics software. The main goal is to optimize the SPS process for titanium carbide (TiC) ceramics, with a particular focus on the effects of insulation and die geometry (height and thickness). For the TiC material, the ideal sintering temperature is set at 2000 °C. The study analyzes eight case studies, involving a base case, an insulating case, and six cases with various thicknesses and heights, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the suggested optimization. The results show that using insulation on the die surface reduces heat transfer from the die surface significantly, which leads to a 63% decrease in input power consumption when compared to the basic scenario. Based on a correlation study between energy and electricity, increasing die thickness raises the cross-sectional area of the electric current, which raises the amount of electric power required to attain the 2000 °C sintering temperature. The results indicate the temperature distribution in the sample is more sensitive to changes in die height than to changes in die thickness.

Time-dependent model of temperature distribution in continuous flow pulsed electric field treatment chambers

A key component of a continuous flow pulsed electric field (PEF) system is the treatment chamber, where the product is exposed to electric pulses. Determination of the temperature distribution in the chamber during PEF treatment is important since high local increases in temperatures can affect the quality of the product. Coupled simulations of electric field, fluid flow, and heating in the existing literature do not model each individual electric pulse, but rather employ a “duty cycle” approach, which does not account for transient variations in treatment intensity and temperature changes in the medium. We present a time-dependent approach to modelling PEF treatment in continuous flow treatment chambers, which can model each pulse separately, and thus enables a more accurate study of temporal and spatial distributions of electric field and temperature. The model has been validated on laboratory scale treatment chambers of parallel plate or colinear design and using realistic protocols. Industrial relevance textThe paper is relevant to all pulsed electric field (PEF) applications either on laboratory or industrial scale that implement a continuous flow treatment chamber. It presents an improved modelling approach which allows for an analysis of the electrical current, electric field, and temperature distribution in the chamber during, at the end, and in between application of electrical pulses. The model can be used to predict the peak temperature at the end of each pulse in the hot spots, which if large enough could potentially lead to thermal damage of the product or in extreme cases even potential local boiling of the medium, resulting not only in degradation of the treated product, but also in accelerated electrode fouling, oxidation, and dissolution (etching), as well as arcing. This would not only affect the quality of the treated product but would also affect the wear and lifetime of electrodes/chambers, and of the pulse generator. The model can also be used to avoid expensive trial-and-error optimization of the PEF protocols and chamber geometries in situ.

Polarization Insensitive and Thin Metamaterial Absorber Performed in High-Frequency 5G Bands

A variety of fascinating applications, including 5G communication devices, high-speed data transfer, and large-scale Internet of Things (IoT), make life easier with 5G technology. Despite the 5G’s superior features, the percentage of electromagnetic (EM) waves in the environment execute a significant increase, unpleasantly. Broadband metamaterial absorbers are an appealing alternative to gather these unwanted signals. This study aims to numerically investigate a broadband metamaterial absorber (MMA) in the 5G high-frequency spectral range with the metasurface formed with coupled resistors. In addition, the 24.25-27.5GHz frequency range, one of the high-frequency 5G bands used by selected countries such as the European Union and China, was preferred. The minor aim of this study is that the usage of coupled elements as resistors may have the ability to increase the absorption bandwidth and magnitude. Comprehensive simulations were performed using the finite integration technique (FIT) utilized by the CST Microwave Studio program to investigate the absorber performance and other relevant parameters. The unit cell design is created metal-substrate-metal structures as asymmetric, single-layer, and easy to implement. The absorption responses are investigated according to the oblique incidence angle, polarization angle for TE &TM modes. The suggested MMA provided an absorbency response above 87.6% in the frequency range 24.20-27.30GHz under normal incidence. Moreover, to comprehend the physical mechanism on absorption, the top and bottom surfaces of the absorber's electric field and surface current distributions are assessed. The designed MMA resulting in relatively high performance and polarization insensitive is helpful for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of 5G signals in the FR2/mmWave frequency regime.