Advanced Electromagnetic Wave Shielding using DNA-Nanoparticle Composites

The shielding of the Electromagnetic waves utilizing novel DNA-nanoparticle composites, first discovered by SDXTEK team, has created wide range of opportunities. We propose to investigate the basic physics and chemistry underlying the target materials using a fundamentally novel numerical and computational frameworks that enable predictive, rational design for efficient EMI shielding. Experiments are proposed to test the applicability of DNA-based thin film technology to EMI shielding applications and to validate and verify the theoretical and systematic model that defines the limits of such an application. The ultimate goal of our proposed research is to equip designers with predictive models and design tools necessary to understand and control the desired functionality of these DNA-based EMI shielding and establishing the technological platform necessary for the control, and program performance characteristics in DNA thin films and solids. If successful, this should lead to the larger development and utilizations of such DNA-based materials. A qualitative and a quantitative assessment of the coverage, applicability, utility, practicality, and benefits of this novel technology will be explored . The results of this assessment will be used to develop applications and extensions of these techniques to a broader range of strategic DoD and commercial customers.