A team of engineers from Columbia University (USA) has created unusual radio antennas that can serve for communications transmission and heating at the same time. Lightweight fabrics and even clothing with woven metal threads can be used in the farthest corners of the world.
The researchers decided to use a flat-knitting technique, creating a fabric from simple yarn and flexible, thin antennae. The product can both send and receive a signal by focusing radio waves and even creating an eddy beam. The biggest advantage of the technology is its relative ease of production and availability.
It is important to emphasize that these devices are manufactured using commercially available off-the-shelf filaments and established manufacturing techniques. I’m pretty sure the knitting community can come up with creative ways to integrate aesthetics and functionality into a sweater that can serve as a WiFi signal booster.
If the technology catches on, it could help in the future in deploying lightweight, multifunctional antennas in places where there is no infrastructure. This will likely come in handy for various expeditions and travelers.
Previously, a group of scientists from China proposed an interesting technology that could record data about diamonds.
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Source: VG Times