Modelling capabilities

Numerical and analytical modelling

We are advanced users of Ansoft HFSS and Comsol Multiphysics for finite element method (FEM) modelling of electromagnetic and acoustic systems. Differential methods for predicting the response of multilayered corrugated surfaces (diffraction gratings) have been developed, together with modal matching analytical techniques for predicting the response of well-defined photonic structures. Our team have expertise in the development of finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods for predicting the response of advanced photonic materials, including the incorporation of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation for the study of magnetic materials.

Micromagnetic modelling of magnonic phenomena

The ability to accurately predict properties of magnetic nano-structures and devices theoretically would generate huge savings of resources, but remains elusive at present. Hence, micromagnetic modelling has become a growing area of research in Exeter. Dynamical phenomena, such as spin waves in magnetic nanostructures (magnonics) and Bose-Einstein condensation and generally kinetics of magnons, are in the focus, set by the related experimental activity.

FPGA programming suite

Modern field-programmable gate arrays (FGPAs) help to simplify and accelerate the process of development and upgrade of complex electronic boards. The schematics can be changed with software only, no actual PCB/network retracing needed. We are able to develop Xilinx^(TM) FPGA functionality, program it to an FPGA chip, and test/debug the device behaviour. This suite can be used in all fields of experiment control and data acquisition, from photon counters to fast image sensors.