John Pantoja from the Directed Energy Research Center at TII presented a method to estimate the effects of high current impulses on electro-conductive textiles. The method uses specific action, a parameter to determine burst of exploding wires, and a new equivalent electrical circuit. The model estimates the current intensity needed to melt the conductive layer at contact areas between yarns, and is validated experimentally on ripstop woven fabrics. Why it matters: The research explores conductive fabrics for portable lightning protection shelters, potentially reducing lightning-related accidents in high-risk populations.
TII's Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) is now the first in the GCC to reproduce high-altitude electromagnetic pulses (HEMP) from nuclear reactions using its EMC labs, in partnership with Montena Technologies. The Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse Simulator allows local testing of critical infrastructure and electronics, reducing reliance on foreign facilities. DERC's capabilities will support government entities and industries in hardening equipment against international standards. Why it matters: This provides strategic autonomy and enhances the UAE's ability to protect critical infrastructure from electromagnetic threats, benefiting various sectors including emergency services, telecommunications, and finance.
KAUST researchers have designed an integrated circuit logic lock to protect electronic devices from cyberattacks. The protective logic locks are based on spintronics and can be incorporated into electronic chips. The lock uses a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) where the keys are stored in tamper-proof memory, ensuring hardware security. Why it matters: This hardware-based security feature could significantly increase confidence in globalized integrated circuit manufacturing, protecting against counterfeiting and malicious modifications.
The Directed Energy Research Center (DERC) at TII will participate in the 2021 Joint IEEE International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal & Power Integrity, and EMC Europe. DERC will present scientific papers and a tutorial on Nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (NEMP) with ETS Lindgren, led by Dr. Nicolas Mora. Dr. Mora and Professor Farhad Rachidi will present a tutorial on High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), and Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI). Why it matters: The participation highlights the UAE's growing expertise in electromagnetic compatibility and protection, particularly regarding critical infrastructure resilience against electromagnetic threats.
KAUST researchers have achieved a breakthrough by passing the damp-heat test for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a rigorous assessment of their ability to withstand prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperatures. The team engineered 2D-perovskite passivation layers that block moisture and enhance power conversion efficiencies. The successful test, which requires maintaining 95% of initial performance after 1,000 hours at 85% humidity and 85 degrees Celsius, marks a significant step toward commercialization. Why it matters: This advancement addresses a critical weakness of PSCs and brings the technology closer to competing with silicon solar cells in terms of stability and longevity, crucial for widespread adoption of renewable energy.