Title: Design and fabrication of multi-functional surface for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding with Bayesian optimization (BO)

Abstract: Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is crucial for protecting electronic devices while maintaining their functionality and accuracy. In optoelectronic applications, high EMI shielding efficiency (SE) and visible light transmission are necessary. Using Bayesian optimization, we optimize nanophotonic structures achieving 41.2 dB SE and 90.8% visible transmission, and 35.6 dB SE and 95.1% visible transmission, providing insight into designing better optical surfaces. We also develop next-generation EMI shielding materials by incorporating reactive silver inks into PET and textiles. Silver thin films on PET exhibit 82.6 dB SE in the X band and 85.3 dB SE in the Ku band, maintaining performance after repeated bending. Incorporating these silver inks into knitted textiles achieves 74.8 dB SE in the X band and 76.6 dB SE in the Ku band, with films maintaining EMI SE higher than 70 dB after 300 min washing and 1,000 stretching cycles at 50% strain. Future work will focus on combining Bayesian optimization with the fabrication of transparent flexible EMI shielding film. Our work demonstrates the efficient EMI shielding protection for smart wearable devices, personal medical electronics, and next-generation communications using reactive silver ink coated films on different materials.

Chair:

Dr. Paul W. Leu

Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh

Committee Members:

 Dr. Susan Fullerton

Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Lei Li

Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Oliver H. Hinder

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh