Electromagnetic Systems Division

[IMAGE: Optical table with THz spectroscopy equipment including fibre-coupled antennas, delay stage, and electronic instrumentation racks]

Figure 1: THz time-domain spectroscopy system in Building 3. The fibre-coupled photoconductive antenna emitter and detector modules are mounted on the optical rail at centre. The delay stage is visible at left, and the lock-in amplifier rack is in the background.

The Electromagnetic Systems Division, led by Dr. Robert Chen, conducts research spanning terahertz science, high-field magnet systems, magnetic materials, and RF/microwave engineering. It operates laboratories in Building 3 and the high-field magnet facility in Building 5.

Research Programmes

THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy

Generation and coherent detection of broadband THz radiation using photoconductive antenna and electro-optic sampling techniques. Applications include semiconductor carrier dynamics, pharmaceutical polymorph identification, and non-destructive testing of composite materials. » Programme page

High-Field Superconducting Magnet Systems

Operation and application of the Institute's 14 T superconducting solenoid in Building 5. The magnet supports magneto-optical measurements, magnetic materials characterisation, and detector development. The division also conducts design studies for next-generation insert coils. » Programme page

Rare-Earth Magnetic Materials

Synthesis and characterisation of rare-earth permanent magnet materials and thin-film magnetic heterostructures. Includes magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) magnetometry, vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), and SQUID susceptometry to 14 T. » Programme page

RF & Microwave Engineering

Design and characterisation of antennas, filters, and RF subsystems from VHF through to mm-wave frequencies. The shielded anechoic chamber in Building 3 provides a quiet electromagnetic environment for antenna pattern measurement and EMC testing. » Programme page

High-Tc Superconducting Magnetic Bearings

Development of passive magnetic bearings using bulk YBCO superconductors for cryogenic rotating machinery. Collaboration with the Cryogenics group in Building 2. » Programme page

Major Facilities

Facility	Location	Key Specifications
THz-TDS system	Building 3	Bandwidth 0.1–4 THz, SNR >60 dB, fibre-coupled PCA
14 T superconducting solenoid	Building 5	Nb₃Sn/NbTi, 89 mm cold bore, ΔB/B <10⁻⁵ over 10 mm DSV
Shielded anechoic chamber	Building 3	3 m quiet zone, 30 MHz–40 GHz, ferrite + hybrid absorber
VSM / SQUID magnetometer	Building 5	0–14 T, 1.8–400 K, sensitivity 1×10⁻⁸ emu
Vector network analyser	Building 3	10 MHz–67 GHz, 4-port, time-domain option

Key Personnel

Dr. Robert Chen — Division Head. THz systems, RF engineering.
Dr. Samuel Park — Joint appointment (Quantum Information). SQUID magnetometry, cryogenic measurement.
Additional research staff: 5 scientists, 2 engineers, 2 technicians.

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