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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/T02433X/1
Title: Multidisciplinary Research Equipment Investment: Coherence Scanning Interferometer (CSI) and Vector Network Analyser (VNA)
Principal Investigator: Turner, Dr T S
Other Investigators:
Blunt, Professor L Seviour, Professor R
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Research and Enterprise
Organisation: University of Huddersfield
Scheme: Standard Research - NR1
Starts: 13 February 2020 Ends: 12 August 2021 Value (£): 150,000
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Manufacturing Machine & Plant RF & Microwave Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
05 Nov 2019 EPSRC Capital Award for Core Equipment Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
The University of Huddersfield will use this award to fund the acquisition of two key pieces of technical laboratory equipment, whose use and application cover a broad range of research areas spanning novel functional materials to advanced metrology. The equipment will be used to support a broad range of researchers and disciplines, as well as help ensure high utilisation rates.

The applicants seek to purchase an advanced Coherence Scanning Interferometer (CSI) surface metrology system to assess the arrangement and distribution of surface features (topography) of materials down to the nano-scale, and so is an essential tool for the understanding of nano-functional surfaces which are the underpinning materials of numerous new technologies ranging from medical diagnostics to solar power. The CSI instrumentation acquisition will be critical to formulate a unique metrology-orientated ultra-precision structured and freeform surface manufacturing capability. The core equipment will facilitate scientific and innovative research in the area of freeform and micro/nano-structured surface measurement of novel coatings and thin films. The outcomes from this acquisition will include the provision of enabling techniques for functionalised bio implants next generation novel optics, new functional surfaces, and facilitation of the development of ISO standards for next generation of functional geometrical products.

The second instrument is a Vector Network Analyser (VNA) to support researchers working in the areas of; materials characterisation, measurement and sensing, metamaterials and integrative technologies to deliver research against key identified EPSRC Priority Research areas such as materials characterisation, functional materials, measurement and sensing, photonic materials, metamaterials and plasmonics, integrative technologies (from mobile technologies to radar technologies) and ICT for manufacturing. Understanding the electromagnetic properties of materials are essential for developing the next generation of materials for devices such as antennas, passive and active components (both linear and non-linear) and high-speed serial interconnects.

Both instruments will be used as a platform to develop interdisciplinary collaborative research across faculties at the University of Huddersfield and with external collaborators and to support established researchers as well as early career researchers and research students.

Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
Date Materialised
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.hud.ac.uk