Episode 13: Computational model shows 3D metamaterial that exhibits magnetoelectric effect

In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin’s Laura Leay interviews Alexandre Dmitriev from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden about his group’s computational model of a three-dimensional metamaterial exhibiting a magnetoelectric effect—known as the Tellegen effect—when exposed to light. The building blocks of the metamaterial are comprised of disks of silicon, 150 nm in diameter, supporting a cylinder of cobalt. Silicon is chosen for its high refractive index and cobalt for its magnetic properties. These building blocks are randomly distributed in a host medium such as water or a polymer. The metamaterial has applications in areas such as improving the efficiency of solar cells, creating one-way glass, or improving lasers. It also has the potential to revolutionize how the universe is understood and could hold the key to studying dark matter. This work was published in a recent issue of Nature Communications.