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Light is made up of waves (called ElectroMagnetic Waves), and they contain energy. This energy can be obtained, if you know how!

Now, there are many different types of ElectroMagnetic waves, from the looonngg wavelengths (Radio waves), to mid-range wavelength (visable light), to the very short wavelengths (X-rays and Gamma rays).

A metamaterial is a device which is smaller than the wavelength of light you shine onto it (like a person compared to a building), but is also made up of the same shape over and over again. This is called a Periodic Structure.

My work looks at using these metamaterials to harness the energy out of electromagnetic waves. And because the size of my device is a few centimetres, the wavelength of light I use is a few tens of centimetres, so microwaves (yes, the same wavelength that is used in your microwave oven at home!)

Day starts off with a cup of tea! It’s amazing just how much a good cup of tea can start the day off. Next, I check my emails, do a bit of programming (currently learning Python, a light-wave package called MEEP, and a simulation package called COMSOL). Say hi to the guys as they also arrive at the office. A second cuppa is in here somewhere too.

Next, I go down to the lab to test out my metamaterial structure. You can see my experimental setup in the picture! I’m currently in the process of making a third structure to test how EM-waves interact with the structure. I get to use the Network Analyser for this, and measure something called the “Scattering Parameters” (how much of the wave gets transmitted through, or reflected off, the structure). This normally takes a while, because I need to calibrate my equipment to make sure the results I take are reliable and actually useable!

Lunch Time! Time to go for a walk to town to the “meat shop” as we call it 😛 Basically, Crawfords, and they cook really nice lunch food! I’ll have Hot and Spicy Chicken, or Hunters Chicken (BBQ sauce, Chicken and Bacon), or a sandwich. If the weather is nice we may even go and play frisbee in the park! If not, we totter back to  the office (tea #3), eat up, and then continue with our work.

In the afternoon, I try and read recent journals, or read a book to help improve my knowledge of accelerators and metamaterials. If I have a report due in, I’ll often do that in the afternoon too. Again, cuppa tea 🙂 Incase you haven’t noticed, I like tea :)Then it’s the end of the day, and everyone disappears off home.

At home, I normally play videogames. I’m currently working my way through Pokemon Leaf Green, or I play games like Tomb Raider or Star Wars. Work hard, Play hard, that’s what I think! I also play with my guinea pigs, because they are cute and love cuddles.

Finally, I pack my bag and get ready for another day tomorrow.