Physics Professor Ezekiel Johnston-Halperin is leading a four-institution collaboration to develop a novel way to construct microwave circuits. The four-person Ohio State, Yale, Iowa, and Colorado State research team recently received a $2 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Frontiers Research Initiative (EFRI) grant. It funds work on next-generation microwave electronic devices based on novel magnetic and topological properties of materials, being produced by Johnston-Halperin’s group.   

The project, funded from August 15, 2017, through July 31, 2021, focuses on developing voltage-controlled magnetic materials for low-loss microwave devices and circuits, including isolators and circulators — fundamental components that allow one-way signal propagation.

A key innovation is using an organic-based magnetic material to construct the microwave circuits, much in the same way that organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have allowed new display technologies. This approach leverages existing infrastructure developed for commercial microwave magnetic devices.

“Given the critical role these devices play in wireless communication and information technology, the breadth and depth of our work’s impact could be very exciting,” Johnston-Halperin says.

“Our partnership will also form the foundation for broader efforts to increase public engagement in science via local outreach activities designed to enhance diversity programs in STEM across all four participating university campuses.”